Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe
Introduction
These Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a tender, juicy finish. Ready in just half an hour, they’re an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granules)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to create the spice blend.
- Step 2: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub the spice mixture evenly over each chop.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 4: Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and develop a caramelized crust.
- Step 5: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops with the spice mix and a little olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon for a bright finish.
- Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
Storage
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to prevent drying out. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep them juicy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
Yes, bone-in pork chops will work well. Just increase the cooking time slightly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What’s the best way to check if pork chops are cooked?
Using an instant-read thermometer is ideal. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safe and juicy.
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Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe features tender boneless pork chops coated in a flavorful blend of brown sugar and spices, pan-seared to a caramelized perfection. It’s a quick and delicious meal that balances sweet and savory flavors with a hint of Cajun spice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granules)
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly to create an even spice blend.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub the prepared spice mix evenly over each pork chop, ensuring good coverage.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat the oil until it becomes hot and slightly shimmering to ensure a good sear.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until the chops are nicely caramelized on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), ensuring they are cooked through but still juicy.
- Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the pork chops tender and flavorful before serving.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer helps achieve perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Letting the pork chops rest improves juiciness and tenderness.
- You can adjust the spice mix according to your heat preference by adding more or less chili powder or Cajun seasoning.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar pork chops, easy pork chops recipe, quick pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, Cajun pork chops, sweet and spicy pork chops
