Get ready to elevate your dinner game with the most mouthwatering pork chops you'll ever taste! These Brown Sugar Bourbon Pork Chops are about to become your new obsession, combining the rich, smoky sweetness of bourbon with the caramelized magic of brown sugar. Imagine cutting into a perfectly seared pork chop that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and glazed with a sauce so irresistible it'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 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 more even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning and caramelization.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, and soy sauce to create a rich, glossy marinade.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
- Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the bourbon-brown sugar mixture over the pork chops.
- Baste the pork chops with the sauce, turning them to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken during this time.
- Drizzle the remaining caramelized sauce over the pork chops before serving.
Tips
- • Temperature is key! Let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. • Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step helps create that perfect golden-brown crust. • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides the best heat retention and creates an incredible sear. • Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper browning. • Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 145°F internal temperature. This ensures juicy, perfectly cooked pork every time. • Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. • If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent burning while maintaining that delicious glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
