These honey garlic pork chops are a sweet and sticky delight! Juicy pork meets a yummy sauce made with honey and garlic, making it hard to resist.
Cooking them is super easy—just sear and glaze. I love to serve them with rice or veggies, and of course, there’s always extra sauce for dipping! Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops help keep the meat juicy. If you only have boneless, that works too! Adjust cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Honey: This is the star of your sauce! For a less sweet taste, try agave syrup or maple syrup. It may change the flavor a bit, but still tasty!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re short on fresh, use garlic powder (1/8 tsp for each clove) as a substitute.
Soy Sauce: Adds a nice umami kick. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you need a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the sweetness. You can swap it with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, but the flavor will change a bit.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops just right can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:
- Dry and Season: Pat the chops dry to get a good sear. Season them well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Properly: Heat your pan until hot, then add oil. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a nice brown crust. Use a meat thermometer for safety; aim for 145°F/63°C.
- Let Rest: Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy.
Following these tips will help you serve perfectly cooked pork chops every time!
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking the pork chops and sauce. In no time, you’ll have a lovely meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better! Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until you get a good brown crust and the chops are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and becomes beautifully glossy.
4. Glaze the Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, flipping them a couple of times to ensure they’re coated with the glaze and heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, place the pork chops on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and rosemary sprigs for a lovely touch!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your honey garlic pork chops hot with your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Enjoy this delightful meal with family or friends!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful honey garlic pork chops with a sticky, savory-sweet glaze!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will also work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since boneless chops may cook faster—check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good alternatives. Keep in mind that they might slightly change the flavor profile, but they’ll still create a delicious glaze!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, making sure they stay moist.
