Pork chops are a favorite meal for many, offering a versatile base for a range of delicious flavors. One of the most popular ways to prepare them is by glazing them with brown sugar, which creates a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist. The caramelization of the brown sugar as it cooks infuses the pork with an irresistible flavor, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.

If you’re looking for inspiration to elevate your pork chop game, check out Bon Appétit’s expert tips for cooking pork. There you’ll find the key techniques for enhancing the natural flavors of pork with a few simple ingredients.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making delicious brown sugar chops, from selecting the best pork chops to preparing a mouthwatering glaze. Along the way, we’ll share tips, common mistakes to avoid, and variations to spice up the recipe. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to serve up the perfect pork chop every time, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook.

Contents hide

1 What Are Brown Sugar Chops?

2 Health Benefits of Pork Chops

3 Choosing the Right Pork Chops

4 Essential Ingredients for Brown Sugar Chops

5 Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Brown Sugar Chops

5.1 1. Marinate or Season the Pork Chops

5.2 2. Cooking the Pork Chops

5.3 3. Preparing the Brown Sugar Glaze

6 Variations of Brown Sugar Chops Recipes

7 Delicious Brown Sugar Chops

7.6 Did you make this recipe?

What Are Brown Sugar Chops?

Brown sugar chops are simply pork chops that are coated and glazed with a mixture of brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, butter, and spices. The sweet and savory glaze creates a caramelized coating that enhances the natural flavors of the pork, creating a deliciously juicy and tender result. These chops can be made in various ways, whether through pan-searing, grilling, or baking, and are typically served with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

The appeal of these glazed pork chops lies in the balance of flavors. The brown sugar brings a rich sweetness, while the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add depth and a savory undertone. Together, they make the pork chops a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

For more pork recipe ideas, check out Allrecipes, where you’ll find a range of cooking tips and tricks for preparing delicious, flavorful pork dishes.

Health Benefits of Pork Chops

Aside from being a flavorful meal, pork chops are also packed with nutritional benefits. When prepared with the right ingredients, they offer a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Pork is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as:

Vitamin B6: Helps in brain function and red blood cell production.
Zinc: Boosts the immune system and promotes wound healing.
Iron: Important for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

Choosing the right pork chops is essential to making the perfect brown sugar glazed chops. There are a few things to consider when selecting your pork chops at the store:

Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops are often preferred for their richer flavor because the bone helps retain moisture while cooking. Boneless chops are quicker to cook and easier to serve but may be less flavorful.
Thickness: Thicker pork chops (around 1 to 1.5 inches) provide a better texture when baked or grilled. Thin chops tend to dry out faster and can overcook quickly.
Fat content: Opt for pork chops with a little marbling. The fat will melt during cooking, keeping the pork moist and flavorful.

Before you begin cooking, make sure to refrigerate your pork chops properly and handle them with care to maintain freshness.

For more tips on cooking pork, visit Bon Appétit to discover techniques that will ensure your chops are perfectly cooked every time.

Essential Ingredients for Brown Sugar Chops

Now that you’ve selected your pork chops, it’s time to gather the ingredients that will make them absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pork chops: Choose either bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference. Bone-in tends to provide more flavor.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar gives a rich, molasses-like flavor that works perfectly in the glaze.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the glaze.
Worcestershire sauce: Contributes to the umami flavor and enhances the savory notes.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will give the glaze a nice savory kick.
Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it adhere to the pork chops.
Spices and herbs: You can add additional spices such as paprika, rosemary, or thyme to elevate the flavor.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’ll be able to create the perfect glaze that will make your brown sugar chops irresistible. If you’re looking for a bit more inspiration, head over to Sweet and Savory Meals, where they provide a step-by-step guide for baking brown sugar pork chops with a rich garlic and balsamic glaze.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Brown Sugar Chops

1. Marinate or Season the Pork Chops

Marinating your pork chops before cooking will enhance the flavor. You can make a simple marinade using the following ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine these ingredients in a bowl, then coat the pork chops evenly. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though marinating for a couple of hours will intensify the flavor.

If you’re in a rush, you can skip the marination process and simply season the pork chops with a mixture of salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

2. Cooking the Pork Chops

There are three main ways to cook brown sugar chops:

Pan-searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them on both sides until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side). Once seared, transfer the chops to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking (about 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F or 63°C).
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork chops for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, basting with the brown sugar glaze during the last few minutes.

For the best results, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked.

3. Preparing the Brown Sugar Glaze

While your pork chops are cooking, it’s time to make the brown sugar glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced

Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened. If you want a slightly thicker glaze, continue to cook it for another 5 minutes until it reaches a syrupy consistency.

Variations of Brown Sugar Chops Recipes

While the classic brown sugar glaze is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to get creative with your pork chops:

Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Chops: Add extra minced garlic to the glaze for a more savory and aromatic flavor.
Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Chops: Add balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Spicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops: If you like a bit of heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the glaze to create a sweet-and-spicy combination.
Grilled Brown Sugar Pork Chops: Grill your pork chops for a smoky flavor and brush them with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Delicious Brown Sugar Chops

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, featuring a rich caramelized glaze that enhances the natural flavors of tender pork.

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, butter, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to create the glaze.
Season pork chops with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pour the glaze over the pork chops and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
If baking, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.