Description

Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender pork chops cooked to perfection and coated in a rich honey garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, delivering a perfect balance of flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pork Chops

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup honey
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavors. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes, or until they achieve a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops and set them aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the honey, low sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked pork chops to the skillet, spooning the thickened honey garlic sauce evenly over them. Allow them to cook together for an additional minute to reheat and meld the flavors.
Serve: Plate the pork chops hot, drizzling with extra sauce from the skillet. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and presentation.

Notes

Boneless pork chops can be used and will cook faster than bone-in chops.
The honey garlic sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for several days.
Enhance the dish by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Pork Chops Recipe, Easy Dinner, Sweet and Savory Pork, Weeknight Meal