Description
Succulent brown sugar chops deliver a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across taste buds. Hearty pork meets caramelized sugar in this simple yet elegant dish that promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
- Meticulously massage the spice mixture across both surfaces of the pork chops, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration.
- Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully position seasoned chops into the heated skillet, allowing each side to caramelize and develop a rich golden crust for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce cooking temperature to medium, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F, which typically requires an additional 4-6 minutes.
- Alternatively, transition the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to complete the cooking process if preferred.
- Transfer meat to a clean surface and permit a brief 5-minute resting period, enabling natural juices to redistribute throughout the protein.
- For an enhanced flavor profile, deglaze the cooking pan with chicken broth or apple juice, gently scraping accumulated browned bits to create a delectable pan sauce.
- Drizzle the reduced sauce over the rested pork chops just before serving to elevate the overall culinary experience.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance.
- Opt for bone-in pork chops for enhanced flavor and juiciness, ensuring more even cooking and richer taste.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chops without overcooking, preventing dry and tough meat.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb version by replacing brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg