These balsamic glazed pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! The sweet and tangy glaze makes them a real treat for your taste buds. Perfect for dinner or a special occasion!
Trust me, they smell amazing while cooking, and the glaze thickens beautifully. I love serving them with roasted veggies for a colorful, easy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my favorite for this recipe as they stay juicy. If you only have boneless chops, they will work too but keep an eye on cooking time since they cook faster.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the dish. If you want a milder flavor, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, but the taste will be different. Closer to balsamic can be a red wine vinegar with a bit of sweetener.
Brown Sugar: If you want to watch your sugar intake, you can use honey or a sugar substitute like maple syrup. Both add a natural sweetness without brown sugar’s depth.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives a great aroma, but if it’s unavailable, dried rosemary can still work. Just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Get That Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
To achieve a perfect sear, dry the pork chops completely with paper towels. This step helps avoid steaming when they hit the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high until hot.
- Place the pork chops in the skillet without overcrowding.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes until browned, then flip and cook the other side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re at 145°F/63°C.
Taking your time with searing lets the flavors develop, and it gives a beautiful color and texture to your chops!
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Glaze:
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Then, generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and let them sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown color, and they should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Once done, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic and Balsamic Glaze:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! Next, pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits left over from the pork chops.
4. Add Sweetness and Herbs:
Stir in the brown sugar, and if you’re using it, the Dijon mustard along with the chopped rosemary. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens to a nice syrupy glaze.
5. Coat the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the balsamic glaze over them. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the glaze to stick and caramelize just a bit, making your chops even more flavorful.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the pork chops to a serving platter, making sure to spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. If you’d like, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful touch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Bon Appétit! Your balsamic glazed pork chops are ready to impress!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook more quickly than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar mixed with a little bit of honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to maintain their moistness.
Can I Add Other Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs and spices to your glaze, such as thyme or garlic powder, for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that adjusting seasonings may alter the overall taste slightly.
