Description
This Honey Garlic Pork Chops recipe features tender pork chops seared to perfection and simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. With a balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy notes, these chops are quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve over rice and garnish with parsley for a comforting meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 thick bone-in pork chops or 4 thin pork chops
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white, apple cider, or rice wine vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Parsley (optional)
- Additional crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
- Season the pork chops: Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear the pork chops: Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and cook uncovered for 3 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown sear. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Adjust heat: Reduce the burner to low-medium heat to prepare for the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the garlic for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Stir in honey, water, vinegar, and crushed red pepper (if using). Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Simmer pork chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet and cook them in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. Frequently baste the chops with the sauce to keep them moist. Cook until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes.
- Serve: Thinly slice the pork chops and serve over a bed of rice. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the pork for added flavor.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional crushed red pepper, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Bone-in pork chops add extra flavor, but boneless chops can be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make the sauce thicker, cook a little longer to reduce the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry if preferred.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
