Glazed Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Garlic & Herbs: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Meal
Prepare to indulge in the utterly delicious Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Garlic and Herbs. This dish masterfully balances a sweet brown sugar sauce with aromatic garlic and a fragrant blend of dried herbs like thyme and oregano. The result is incredibly juicy pork chops that come together in a remarkably short amount of time, making it a perfect candidate for any busy night.
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This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Mastering Weeknight Meals: Quick & Flavorful Brown Sugar Pork Chops
In the quest for satisfying yet simple weeknight dinners, these Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Garlic and Herbs stand out as a true culinary triumph. This impressive dish doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s also incredibly efficient, often ready in as little as 15 minutes of active cooking time. Imagine a savory, tender, and slightly sweet main course gracing your table without the fuss and long hours typically associated with gourmet meals.
While the recipe is designed for speed, a little planning can elevate your pork chops from great to absolutely extraordinary. We highly recommend brining your pork chops. This simple step, which involves soaking the meat in a salt solution, works wonders in enhancing both the flavor and texture of your chops. Brining helps the pork retain moisture, resulting in a noticeably more tender and juicier outcome. Even a quick 30-minute brine can make a difference, but for the most succulent results, consider brining your chops overnight. This foresight allows you to wake up to perfectly prepared meat, ready to transform into the best pork chops you’ve ever tasted the following day. If you’ve ever wondered how to brine pork chops effectively, we’ve got an easy and foolproof brine recipe right here to guide you.
Simple Brine for Perfectly Tender Pork Chops
Brining is a secret weapon for achieving exceptionally tender and juicy pork. The salt in the brine helps to break down muscle fibers and allows the meat to absorb more moisture, locking in flavor during cooking. Here’s what you’ll need for our easy brine:
- 3 cups of water;
- 3 tablespoons of kosher salt (or Himalayan salt);
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding optional ingredients like 1 teaspoon of sugar (which aids in browning), a splash of balsamic vinegar, a few lemon slices for brightness, black peppercorns for a subtle spice, or extra garlic cloves for depth.
To brine, simply dissolve the salt (and any optional additions) in warm water, then allow the mixture to cool completely before submerging your pork chops. Ensure the chops are fully covered. You can use a bowl or a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal tenderness, brine overnight (8-12 hours). Remember to pat the chops dry thoroughly before cooking.
Essential Ingredients for Glazed Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Crafting these delectable glazed pork chops requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the dish’s signature sweet and savory profile:
- 2 to 4 bone-in pork chops, ideally about 1 inch thick, for maximum juiciness;
- Ghee or your preferred cooking oil for searing;
- Light brown sugar, which forms the foundation of our sweet, caramelized glaze;
- Freshly chopped garlic cloves, providing a pungent, aromatic counterpoint to the sweetness;
- Dried thyme and oregano, classic herbs that infuse the dish with a wonderfully earthy aroma;
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning the pork and enhancing all the other flavors.
Achieving Perfection: Easy Steps for Bone-In Brown Sugar Pork Chops
This recipe specifically calls for bone-in pork chops for a good reason: the bone helps to insulate the meat, contributing to a more even cook and preventing it from drying out, resulting in consistently more juicy and tender results. To execute this dish flawlessly, an ovenproof skillet is essential. I personally swear by my trusty cast iron skillet. Not only does it deliver an unparalleled, beautiful sear on the meat – that deep golden-brown color signifies incredible flavor development, known as the Maillard reaction – but it also transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, simplifying the cooking process and minimizing cleanup.
Here’s a breakdown of the easy steps to create these perfect glazed pork chops:
- I initiate the cooking process on the stovetop by searing the seasoned pork chops. After liberally seasoning both sides with salt and pepper, place them in a hot skillet with oil or ghee. Sear each side for approximately 3 minutes until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This crucial step not only locks in juices but also builds a foundational layer of flavor. Once seared, temporarily remove the chops from the skillet.
- Next, it’s time to build that incredible glaze. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent burning, then add butter, brown sugar, freshly chopped garlic, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Stir these ingredients together vigorously. The residual heat from the skillet will help them meld into a fragrant, syrupy mixture. The goal here is to infuse the pan with these sweet and savory aromatics.
- Return the seared chops to the skillet and generously coat both sides with this aromatic medley. Ensure every inch of the pork is smothered in the developing glaze. Then, transfer the entire pan into a preheated oven to finish cooking. This indirect heat from the oven is key; it allows the pork chops to cook through gently without drying out, resulting in beautifully glazed pork chops with a tender interior. Typically, 6-8 minutes in the oven is sufficient, depending on the thickness of your chops.
- And just like that, with minimal effort, you’ve created a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant. It’s truly that simple!
A crucial tip to remember throughout this process is to avoid overcooking your pork chops. Overcooked pork can quickly become dry and tough. The ideal internal temperature for pork, as recommended by food safety guidelines, is 145°F (63°C), followed by a brief resting period. Investing in a reliable meat thermometer is highly recommended. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone, to get an accurate reading. I once made the mistake of trusting a faulty digital thermometer, which led to overcooked meat. Lesson learned! For a deeper dive into achieving perfectly tender and juicy pork every time, I highly recommend checking out The Kitchn’s comprehensive tutorial on How to Cook Tender & Juicy Pork Chops in the Oven.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pork Chops
The sauce that develops with these brown sugar pork chops is truly out of this world – a remarkable sweet and savory concoction that will have you savoring every last drop. It’s so good, you might feel like you’re having a perfectly balanced savory dessert! The rich, caramelized flavors of the glaze make it incredibly versatile for pairing with a variety of side dishes. The ideal accompaniment can truly elevate your dining experience, whether you’re aiming for something light and fresh or hearty and comforting.
For those who love to soak up every drop of that exquisite sauce, a rustic bread is a must. It will pair beautifully with a Homemade Dutch Oven Crusty Bread, allowing you to dunk slices directly into the pan and truly indulge in the full spectrum of flavors.
If you prefer to temper the sweetness of the dish or are looking for a lighter, healthier option, I highly recommend pairing these pork chops with Cacio e Pepe Zucchini Noodles. The peppery, cheesy notes of the zucchini noodles provide a fantastic counterpoint to the sweet glaze, making for a perfect gluten-free or paleo-friendly dinner. It’s a smart choice that offers a refreshing balance.
Alternatively, if you’re leaning towards a more substantial and comforting meal, a rich potato dish would be ideal. Consider serving it with this amazing Potato Leek Casserole, which offers a creamy, savory backdrop. Another excellent starchy side would be these Potato Cutlets with Asparagus, offering a delightful texture contrast and the freshness of seasonal greens. To me, all of these suggestions for pairing with these wonderful Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Garlic and Herbs are absolute winners. The choice, ultimately, is yours, and each option promises to create a memorable meal.
Tools for Culinary Success: What You May Also Need…
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A high-quality cast iron skillet is more than just a piece of cookware; it’s an investment that will serve you well for years to come. This set of Cast Iron Skillets is, without a doubt, the most used cookware in my kitchen. Their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is unparalleled, making them perfect for achieving that beautiful, deep sear on your Brown Sugar Pork Chops. Beyond this recipe, they are incredibly versatile, ideal for everything from baking skillet cookies to making a savory Mushrooms Scallion Frittata with Parmesan Cheese. A good cast iron skillet is a game-changer for any home cook.
This recipe for Brown Sugar Pork Chops has quickly become a fan favorite for its ease and incredible flavor. If you enjoy quick and delicious meals, you’ll also love these other popular recipes on the Eating European website:
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- Penne Alla Vecchia Bettola
- Authentic Polish Pierogi with Potatoes and Cheese
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Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Garlic and Herbs
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Ingredients
Brine
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp Kosher or Himalayan Salt
- garlic, balsamic vinegar, lemon optional
Pork Chops
- 2 pork chops – on a bone; about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp oil – cooking oil or ghee
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – light
- 4 cloves garlic – chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano – dried
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme – dried
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
Brine
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To brine the pork chops, dissolve salt in warm water, cool off to room temperature, and then submerge the pork chops. Ensure all the meat is covered with brine; you can use either a bowl or a resealable ziplock bag.
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Brine the pork chops in a refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour. For maximum tenderness and juiciness, brining overnight (8-12 hours) is highly recommended.
Pork Chops
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures the oven is ready for the second stage of cooking.
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In an oven-proof skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully), heat up your cooking oil or ghee over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Remove the pork chops from the brine, pat them very dry with paper towels (this is crucial for a good sear), and season generously with salt and pepper on each side.
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Carefully place the seasoned chops in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
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Remove the skillet from the heat (to prevent burning the sugar). Add butter, brown sugar, chopped garlic, and dried herbs (oregano and thyme) to the skillet. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until a fragrant, slightly melted sauce forms.
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Return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Use a spoon or tongs to smother them generously with the brown sugar, garlic, and herb sauce on both sides.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the pork chops until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C). This typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes. This resting period is vital for the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Before serving, spoon any remaining delicious sauce from the skillet generously over the rested pork chops. Serve hot and enjoy every last bite!
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If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy these other quick and easy meal ideas:
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Brown Sugar Pork Loin with Garlic and Herbs
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One Sheet Herbed Lemon Chicken with Veggies
