Ingredients:
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4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
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Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
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Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the pork chops are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C). You may need to adjust the heat if the pork chops brown too quickly or if the oil starts to smoke.
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Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze:
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
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Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar or soy sauce as needed for balance.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
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Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the glaze over the top of each chop.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the pork chops.
5. Serve:
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Remove the pork chops from the skillet and serve with the garlic brown sugar glaze spooned over the top.
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These pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
These Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and full of flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. Enjoy