Brown Sugar Chops are a delicious, savory-sweet dish that combines tender pork chops with a rich brown sugar glaze. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while cooking, giving the pork chops a delightful sweetness that’s perfectly balanced with the savory flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green vegetable. The glaze keeps the pork juicy while adding depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
  3. Sear the pork chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. The chops don’t need to be fully cooked yet; they will finish cooking in the glaze.
  4. Add the glaze: Once the pork chops are seared, pour the brown sugar glaze over the pork chops in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the chops simmer for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through the cooking time, until the pork is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
  5. Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked through and the glaze has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 14 g
    • Saturated fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
    • Fiber: 0 g
    • Sugars: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Potassium: 300 mg

These Brown Sugar Chops are a fantastic balance of sweet and savory, with a beautifully caramelized glaze that enhances the flavor of the pork. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!