30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are pure weeknight magic—ready in under 30 minutes and totally crave-worthy!
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops
- 4 pork chops ¾–1 inch thick, bone-in or boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended
Optional Add-Ins/Subs
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Coconut sugar as a refined-sugar-free swap
- Add ¼ tsp cayenne for heat
- Use vegan butter + plant-based chops for a vegan option
Instructions
Prep the Pork Chops
- Pat chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for ~10 minutes to come to room temp.
Sear the Chops
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add pork chops and sear 3–4 mins per side, until golden-brown. Remove to a plate.
- 🔥 Tip: Press lightly with a spatula while searing for an even crust.
Make the Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same pan. Stir for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, and paprika. Stir until bubbly and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
Glaze the Chops
- Return chops to pan. Spoon glaze over them and simmer 4–6 minutes, flipping once. Cook to an internal temp of 145°F.
- 🍯 Glaze should thicken and coat the pork like syrup.
Rest & Serve
- Remove pan from heat. Let pork rest 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Spoon any extra glaze over the top.
Notes
- Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in the glaze—reheat gently to maintain moisture.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or apple slaw.
- Double the Glaze: It’s so good, you might want extra for drizzling over sides!
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 32gFat: 26gSugar: 14g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!