Honey garlic pork chops are a classic for a reason: they’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
This dish is sure to become a family favorite, and with a few simple tips, you can achieve restaurant-worthy results right at home.
The Allure of Sweet and Savory
The magic of honey garlic pork chops lies in the beautiful balance of sweet and savory. The honey creates a caramelized crust on the pork chops, while the garlic adds a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s a simple flavor combination that never gets old.
Choosing Your Pork Chops
For this recipe, you can use bone-in or boneless pork chops, depending on your preference. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, while boneless chops are easier to eat.
Aim for pork chops that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking.
The Searing Technique
Searing the pork chops is key to achieving a delicious crust. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil and pork chops. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the chops from searing properly.
Once seared, you can finish cooking the pork chops in the pan with the sauce, or transfer them to the oven for a more hands-off approach.
The Honey Garlic Sauce
The sauce for these pork chops is incredibly versatile. You can use a simple combination of honey, garlic, butter, and water, or add a splash of soy sauce, rice vinegar, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.
The pan drippings from the seared pork chops add extra flavor to the sauce, so be sure to scrape them up before adding your sauce ingredients.
Simple Sides
Honey garlic pork chops pair well with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice are all excellent choices.
You can also keep it light with a simple green salad.
Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops: A Weeknight Dinner Win
Course: Uncategorized4
servings5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water or chicken broth
Directions
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside.
- Add the butter to the pan and melt it over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey and water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the pork chops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water or broth before adding it to the pan with the honey mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Want to add some extra vegetables? Saute sliced onions or peppers with the garlic in step 4.
With a little creativity, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. So ditch the takeout menu and whip up a batch of honey garlic pork chops for a delicious and satisfying dinner tonight!
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