Enjoy a perfect blend of sweet and spicy with these Spicy Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops. This recipe transforms simple pork chops into a mouth-watering meal with a rich, caramelized glaze. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, these pork chops are sure to be a hit.
Large skillet (preferably oven-safe for thicker chops)
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Ingredients
4center-cut boneless pork chops
¼cupbrown sugar
½tspcayenne pepper
½tspgarlic powder
½tsppaprika
½tspsalt
¼tspblack pepper
2tbspolive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create your spice rub.
Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of each pork chop, ensuring they are well-coated.
Preheat the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a rich, golden-brown color. This step is crucial for forming the glaze.
Oven Finish for Thick Chops: If your pork chops are thicker than one inch, transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F.
Rest and Glaze: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Dredge the chops in the glaze formed in the skillet for an extra flavor boost.
Serve: Serve the pork chops hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
If using thicker pork chops, finishing in the oven ensures they are cooked through without burning the glaze.
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
The spice rub can be prepared in advance for quicker meal preparation.