Brown Sugar Pork Chops

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Are you looking for a tasty pork chop recipe that’s quick and easy to make? Brown sugar pork chops are a great choice. These juicy chops have a sweet and savory glaze that creates a yummy caramelized crust. You can whip them up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

The recipe is simple to follow. You’ll coat the pork chops in a mix of brown sugar and spices, then sear them in a skillet. After that, you’ll make a buttery garlic sauce and finish cooking the chops in the oven. The result is tender, flavorful pork chops that your whole family will love.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty brown sugar pork chops:

  • 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

The olive oil helps the spices stick to the pork chops. The brown sugar creates a sweet crust, while the paprika adds color and flavor.

Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. Garlic powder gives a nice savory touch. Real butter makes the sauce rich and delicious.

Fresh minced garlic adds more flavor to the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. They’re optional, so leave them out if you prefer.

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. It’ll make the process much smoother and more fun!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the pork chops dry and rub them with olive oil. This helps the spices stick better.

Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub this tasty mix all over your pork chops.

Heat up a big oven-safe skillet. Add the pork chops and cook them for 3 minutes on each side until they’re nice and brown. Take them out and set them aside for now.

Turn down the heat and melt some butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Cook this for a minute until it smells good.

Put the pork chops back in the pan. Spoon some of that yummy garlic butter over them.

Now, pop the whole pan in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, spoon more sauce on the chops. They’re done when they reach 145°F inside.

Take the pan out and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy. Pour any leftover sauce on top before you dig in. Enjoy your sweet and savory meal!

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some easy swaps you can use:

• Pork chops: Try boneless chops or pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch thick slices.

• Brown sugar: White sugar + a splash of molasses works great. Or use maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.

• Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil will do.

• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky taste. Or use chili powder for some heat.

• Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic or garlic salt can replace the powder.

• Butter: Try ghee or olive oil instead.

For the spices, feel free to adjust amounts to your taste. You can also add extras like onion powder or dried herbs. The red pepper flakes are optional, so leave them out if you don’t like spice.

Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors you enjoy!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make these pork chops more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. Start by cutting the brown sugar amount in half to 1/6 cup. This reduces the carbs while still giving a nice sweet flavor.

Try swapping the butter for olive oil to lower the saturated fat. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of 4 tablespoons of butter. This switch makes the dish heart-healthier too.

You can also boost the fiber by adding veggies. Sauté some sliced bell peppers and onions in the pan before cooking the pork chops. The extra fiber helps slow down sugar absorption.

For the cooking method, stick with baking instead of pan-frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes. This cuts down on added fats.

Remember to watch your portion size. Stick to one pork chop per serving and pair it with lots of non-starchy veggies. A side salad or roasted broccoli works great.

These small tweaks make the dish more balanced for blood sugar control. You still get to enjoy tasty pork chops with less worry about glucose spikes.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the juiciest pork chops, don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 145°F is perfect. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those tasty juices.

Pat your pork chops dry before seasoning. This helps the rub stick better and creates a nice crust when searing. Don’t skimp on the brown sugar rub – it adds amazing flavor!

No oven-safe skillet? No problem! Sear the chops in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish to finish in the oven. Just be sure to pour that yummy garlic butter sauce over top.

Got leftover pork chops? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying them out.

Try switching up the spices in your rub. Cinnamon, chili powder, or dried herbs like thyme can add fun new flavors. You can also use boneless pork chops if you prefer – just reduce the cooking time slightly.

For an extra saucy dish, double the garlic butter mixture. It’s great for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice on the side!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *