Step 4: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. For extra flavor, you can also add butter once the oil is hot.
Step 5: Sear the Pork Chops
Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet. Sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. The sugar will caramelize, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. Avoid moving the chops too much while searing—they need time to form a crust.
Step 6: Reduce Heat and Finish Cooking
After searing, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan loosely and let the pork chops cook for another 5–8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Rest the Meat
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve the brown sugar pork chops hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
- Don’t overcook: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure juiciness.
- Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone-in chops have extra flavor and tend to stay juicier.
- Caramelization matters: Let the sugar form a crust on medium-high heat, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Make it smoky: A pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness.
Brown sugar pork chops are a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal that feels fancy but is easy to prepare. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with a tender texture, will make these pork chops a family favorite in no time.
If you want, I can also create a shortcut version for the oven, so you can bake them instead of frying and still get that caramelized glaze. This is perfect if you want a hands-off version.
Do you want me to make that version too?
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