Honey Garlic Pork Chops offer a succulent and flavorful twist to the traditional pork chop dinner. This dish combines the sweet and aromatic flavors of honey and garlic with the tender juiciness of pork chops, creating a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these pork chops are pan-seared to perfection and then glazed in a rich honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully, providing a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory glaze that is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids alike, thanks to its delicious glaze and tender meat.
Ingredients Notes
- Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless pork chops work well for this recipe. Aim for chops about 1-inch thick for the best results.
- Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops. You can also use vegetable oil or butter for added richness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the honey. White vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs like thyme or rosemary enhance the overall flavor.
Recipe Steps
- Season the Pork Chops: Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Continue to cook until the pork chops are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened into a glaze.
- Serve: Garnish the pork chops with fresh herbs if desired before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the chops for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat the pork chops in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if necessary.
Cooking Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
- Pork chops: 4 boneless (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil or unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, for frying
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Honey: 1/3 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (use low sodium if preferred)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, for acidity
- Chicken broth or water: 1/4 cup, for deglazing
- Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Cook and stir for a minute to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Return the Pork Chops to the Skillet:
- Add the cooked pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the pork chops are well coated and heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds if desired. The honey garlic sauce makes a delicious glaze for the pork chops and can also be served over rice or vegetables for a complete meal.