Imagine a dinner that transforms ordinary pork chops into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. Our Maple Glazed Pork Chops are the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, sweet essence of maple syrup with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, creating a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly easy to make and will elevate your home cooking game in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point.
- Place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the maple glaze over the pork chops, turning them to coat evenly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting the chops with the glaze and ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the pork chops before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a perfectly juicy result.
- Dry for the Perfect Sear: Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful golden-brown crust!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For foolproof cooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked pork every time.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that beautiful caramelization.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Glaze Hack: For an extra glossy finish, you can reduce the maple glaze in the pan for a minute or two before drizzling over the pork chops.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
