Luscious Maple Syrup Glazed Pork Chops

This recipe delivers tender pork chops coated in a beautifully sweet and savory maple glaze. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes (plus optional marinating time) Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about ¾ to 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, adds umami)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet or frying pan

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you have time, for extra flavor and tenderness, you can optionally marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and a pinch of garlic powder.
2. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside.
3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the pork chops in a single layer (avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
4. Add the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the maple glaze over the pork chops. Let the glaze bubble gently and coat the pork chops, turning them occasionally, for another 5-8 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The glaze will thicken slightly as it cooks. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.
5. Rest and Serve: Once the pork chops are cooked and nicely glazed, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender pork.
6. Garnish (Optional): Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh chopped thyme or parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Thickness Matters: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your pork chops. Thicker chops will require longer cooking.
• Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful and stay moister, but boneless chops cook more quickly and evenly.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
• Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate fresh rosemary or sage into the glaze for a more complex flavor profile. Add them to the skillet along with the glaze sprigs or finely chopped.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your maple glazed pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts), rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your delicious Maple Syrup Glazed Pork!