Description
Delicious Brown Sugar Chops combine the perfect balance of sweet caramelized brown sugar and savory flavors, resulting in tender, juicy pork chops with a mouthwatering glaze. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, delivering a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soya sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine brown sugar, soya sauce, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, creating a rich, thick marinade that promises flavor in every bite.
- Marinate the Chops: Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure each chop is generously coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Pan: Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step ensures your chops will sear perfectly and develop a golden crust without sticking.
- Cook the Chops: Remove the chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Add them to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and boast a caramelized, slightly sticky finish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy every time.
Notes
- Use room temperature meat for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chops in batches if necessary to ensure a crisp caramelized surface.
- Watch the sugar closely to prevent burning by keeping the heat medium and stirring occasionally.
- Allow the chops to rest before cutting to maintain juiciness.
- Optionally, spoon leftover marinade onto the chops during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: brown sugar chops, pork chops recipe, sweet and savory pork, easy pork chops, caramelized pork chops