Honey Garlic Pork Chops

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Honey garlic pork chops are perfect for busy weeknights. You can make this yummy meal in just 15 minutes. These pork chops are juicy and covered in a sweet and savory sauce that your whole family will love.

The recipe is easy to follow. You’ll need pork chops, honey, soy sauce, and a few other simple ingredients. The sauce comes together fast while the pork cooks. It’s a great way to add flavor to plain pork chops without much work.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty honey garlic pork chops:

Main Ingredients:
• 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Toppings:
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Fresh herbs
• Sriracha sauce

You’ll also need a large skillet and two small bowls for mixing. Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will help you move quickly through the steps.

Remember, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make the dish more or less spicy. If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to leave them out entirely.

Instructions

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.

Add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.

While the pork cooks, mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you want spice)

Flip the pork chops. Cook 1-2 minutes on the other side. Pour in the sauce. Cook 2-3 more minutes until pork is done.

Take out the pork to rest. Turn heat to medium-low. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add this to the pan sauce. Stir for about 1 minute until it thickens.

Serve your pork chops with the yummy sauce on top. Add toppings like green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List

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

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  Pork chops: Try chicken breasts or thighs instead. You can even use firm tofu for a veggie version.

  
  
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  Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar work great too.

  
  
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  Soy sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari are good options.

  
  
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  Garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.

  
  
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  Red pepper flakes: Try a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.

  
  
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  Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or flour can thicken the sauce.

  
  

For the toppings, feel free to get creative:

• Swap green onions for chives or cilantro
• Try pumpkin seeds instead of sesame seeds
• Use cashews in place of peanuts

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it work for you. These swaps let you use what you have on hand or adjust for dietary needs.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make these honey garlic pork chops more diabetes-friendly with a few easy changes. Use less honey or swap it for a sugar-free sweetener. This cuts down on carbs and sugar.

Pick lean pork chops and trim off any extra fat. This helps control calories and fat intake. You can also use smaller portions of pork.

Add more veggies to your meal. Try steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad on the side. Veggies are low in carbs and high in fiber.

Use less cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This lowers the carb count. You can also skip it completely for an even lighter sauce.

Watch your portion sizes. Stick to one pork chop per person. Fill the rest of your plate with non-starchy veggies.

Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. Too much sodium isn’t good for blood pressure.

Skip the optional toppings like sesame seeds or peanuts. Or use just a tiny sprinkle for flavor without extra calories.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra tender pork chops, try brining them before cooking. Mix 1/4 cup salt with 4 cups water, and soak the chops for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Pat dry before cooking.

Don’t overcook your pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).

To make the sauce spicier, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, leave them out completely.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Try these tasty side dishes with your honey garlic pork chops:

• Steamed rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Sautéed green beans

For a quick weeknight meal, prep the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.