30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops (one pan- 30 Minutes) - Savvy Bites
These 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavor—all in a fast, fuss-free recipe. Juicy pork chops are seared to perfection and glazed with a rich brown sugar sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and a hint of spice. Ready in just half an hour, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want comfort food without the wait. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or oven-safe pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Mixing bowl or jar for glaze
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep and Season: Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chops and set aside.
- Make Brown Sugar Glaze: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce (or Worcestershire), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is syrupy.
- Simmer Pork Chops: Return pork chops to skillet, spoon glaze over them, and simmer on medium-low for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until pork is cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
- Rest and Serve: Remove pork chops, let rest for 3-5 minutes. Spoon extra glaze over the top, garnish with fresh herbs or cracked pepper if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Meat Thermometer: Use to avoid overcooking; 145°F is the safe internal temperature for pork.
- Brown Sugar Burn Warning: Keep heat moderate and stir glaze frequently to prevent burning.
- Pork Chop Thickness: About 1-inch thick chops work best for even cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Sweetener Variations: Maple syrup or honey can substitute brown sugar but expect a thinner glaze and altered flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare glaze in advance and marinate pork chops up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
- Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently.