Description
Succulent honey garlic pork chops deliver a flavor-packed meal that balances sweet and savory notes. Korean-inspired seasonings elevate this simple protein into a memorable dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter (for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned pork chops and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet temperature to medium, add minced garlic, and quickly stir to release fragrance without burning, then incorporate honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create a rich, glossy sauce.
- Glazing and Finishing: Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 145F; add a pat of butter for a silky finish and create a sticky, luxurious glaze.
- Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Moisture Mastery: Pat pork chops completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches exactly 145F for juicy, safe-to-eat meat without overcooking.
- Sauce Simmering Strategy: Reduce sauce slowly to create a thick, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the meat, intensifying flavor concentration.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option, or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free modification.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg