Description
Succulent Brown Sugar Pork Chops promise a delightful culinary journey through sweet and savory flavors. Caramelized edges and tender meat will make you crave this simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsps brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a slight kick)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)
Instructions
- Prep Pork: Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels to maximize seasoning absorption and promote ideal searing.
- Spice Fusion: Thoroughly mix brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a cohesive, fragrant seasoning blend that will create a caramelized exterior.
- Seasoning Application: Generously coat each pork chop with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage and pressing the blend firmly into the meat to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Marination Rest: Let seasoned chops sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sugar and spices to penetrate deeply and create a perfect caramelized crust during cooking.
- Heat Preparation: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, adding a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking and facilitate even browning.
- Searing Technique: Place pork chops in the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F, creating a succulent and flavorful main course.
Notes
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Remove excess moisture from pork chops to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Balance Spice Blend: Adjust spice ratios to match personal heat preferences, ensuring a harmonious mix of sweet and savory flavors.
- Rest and Marinate: Let seasoned chops sit for 15-30 minutes to allow spices to penetrate meat and enhance overall taste complexity.
- Cooking Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat to create a caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg