Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory: Honey Pecan or Cashew Pork Chops! This mouthwatering recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy way to impress your family or guests. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can savor juicy, caramelized pork chops topped with crunchy nuts, all drizzled in rich honey. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a show-stopping meal for a special occasion, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to make this delectable delight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or cashews
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote proper searing.
- Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms, then flip using tongs.
- Cook the second side for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the pork chops during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or cashews over the honey-glazed pork chops, pressing them gently to adhere.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped nuts if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the best results, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect sear.
- Dry and Season Well: Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—season generously!
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the pork chops, ensure they have enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects the texture and flavor.
- Monitor the Heat: Keep an eye on the skillet’s temperature. If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. You want it shimmering and hot enough to sear the meat without burning.
- Perfectly Glaze: Drizzling honey during the last minute of cooking allows it to caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that enhances the flavor of the pork.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top before serving for an added crunch and visual appeal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
