These juicy and flavorful brown sugar pork chops come together in just 30 minutes, making them the perfect go-to recipe for a delicious and stress-free weeknight dinner. With a sweet and spicy seasoning blend that caramelizes beautifully in the pan, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: A blend of brown sugar, Cajun spices, and herbs gives these chops a perfect balance of sweet heat.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Cook them in a skillet, on the grill, or in the oven.
- Pairs Well With Anything: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season each side with salt and pepper, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely caramelized and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes to keep them juicy.
Tips for Success:
- Brining Option: For extra juicy chops, brine them in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Butter Finish: Add a pat of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking and spoon it over the chops.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked pork.
Serving Ideas:
- Mashed potatoes and green beans
- Roasted carrots and rice pilaf
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
Storing & Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked pork chops in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave on medium power in short intervals.
More Pork Recipes to Try:
- Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly
- Quick Indian Pork Curry in Coconut Sauce
- Sticky Asian Pork Meatballs
- Pork Yuk Sung (Lettuce Wraps)
This brown sugar pork chop recipe is easy, reliable, and full of flavor—perfect for any night of the week!