Description
Succulent Brown Sugar Pork Chops promise a delightful dance of sweet and savory flavors that elevate classic protein. Caramelized edges and rich glaze invite you to savor each perfectly glazed, tender bite of comfort on a plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (approximately 1 inch thick)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Craft a tantalizing caramelized crust by mixing brown sugar with smoky spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Thoroughly blot pork chops with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and crisp exterior.
- Massage the spice blend aggressively across both surfaces of each pork chop, creating an even, flavorful coating.
- Select a robust, oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
- Carefully position seasoned pork chops into hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a rich golden crust develops.
- Flip chops and repeat searing process on opposite side, developing deep caramelization and locking in succulent juices.
- For precision cooking, transfer skillet directly into preheated 400°F oven and roast for 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F.
- Alternatively, if avoiding oven method, reduce stovetop heat and continue cooking for additional 4-6 minutes, turning once to ensure uniform doneness.
- Allow pork chops to rest peacefully for 5 minutes after cooking, permitting internal juices to redistribute and guarantee maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and moisture, keeping the meat tender and succulent during cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on spice tolerance, reducing for mild preferences or increasing for bolder heat levels.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all spices are certified gluten-free and double-check ingredient sources.
- Allow meat to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough, dry texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg