These brown sugar pork chops are sweet, juicy, and super easy to make! The brown sugar creates a lovely glaze that makes your mouth water just thinking about it!
Honestly, who can resist that caramelized finish? I love serving them with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s like a hug on a plate! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite for this recipe. The bone adds flavor and helps retain moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops work, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is great for deeper flavor, but light brown sugar works too. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar).
Spices: The smoked paprika adds lovely depth, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip it or substitute with regular paprika. Garlic powder is a must; fresh minced garlic can also be used for a stronger kick!
Oil and Butter: I prefer olive oil, but any cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil works well. The butter adds richness, but for a dairy-free option, use more oil instead.
How Do I Properly Sear Pork Chops for That Perfect Crust?
Searing pork chops is key to building flavor through caramelization. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the chops—this helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each chop space to sizzle and form a crust.
- Let the chops sear without moving them for about 3-4 minutes. This helps develop that nice, brown crust.
- When flipping, do so gently to maintain that crust. Baste the chops with melted butter for added moisture and flavor.
Resting the chops after cooking is crucial too—it keeps them juicy inside. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Delicious Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish and optional infusion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cooks in about 8 minutes, making it a quick dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Spice Blend:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and garlic powder. Stir everything together until all the spices are evenly mixed. This blend will give your pork chops a sweet and savory flavor!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Grab some paper towels and pat the pork chops dry. This will help them get a nice sear. Rub both sides of each pork chop generously with the brown sugar spice mixture, making sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
3. Heat the skillet:
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it heat up until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test the heat by flicking a drop of water into the pan—if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
4. Sear the Pork Chops:
Carefully add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Let them sear without moving them for about 3-4 minutes. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust.
5. Flip and Add Butter:
Once the pork chops have a nice brown color on one side, flip them over. Add the butter and rosemary sprigs to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the chops with the buttery goodness while they cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest the Chops:
When your pork chops are done, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is very important, as it helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish the pork chops with fresh rosemary leaves for a lovely presentation. Serve these delicious brown sugar pork chops right away with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! They may cook a bit faster, so check them around the 3-4 minute mark on each side to avoid overcooking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix one cup of white sugar with one tablespoon of molasses to create a quick substitute. This will give you a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Know When the Pork Chops Are Done?
The best way to check is using a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to cook pork chops fresh, you can marinate them with the spice mixture up to 4 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook!
