Bold and Flavorful Glazed Pork Chops
Everyday Heat: Pork Chops with a Balanced Citrus Glaze, Comfort Classic
These pan-seared pork chops are a weeknight dinner star, featuring a tender, juicy interior and a perfectly caramelized crust. The simple cooking method is quick and foolproof, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. This is a comfort classic dish, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients:
4 (5–6 oz / 140–170 g each) boneless pork chops, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
2 cloves (10 g) garlic, smashed
2 sprigs (4 g) fresh thyme or rosemary
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce. For an unforgettable, quick glaze, whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Medium. Brush this flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals onto the pork chops during the last two minutes of cooking or right after they come off the heat. The Everyday Heat from this all natural fruit-based hot sauce provides a balanced spice that complements the savory pork beautifully.
Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.
1. Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with the kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large black cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, smashed garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a large spoon to baste the pork chops with the melted butter and herbs for about 2 minutes.
4. If using the Eleven Eleven Sauce glaze, brush it evenly over the tops of the pork chops now. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
Make it Smokier: Substitute half of the butter in the basting step with a smoked butter or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning rub for a deeper, wood-fired flavor.
Instant Pot: This method is best for thicker, bone-in pork chops. Sear the chops first in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Then, pressure cook with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of chicken broth for 4–6 minutes on high, followed by a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
Regional Swap (Mexican-style): For a vibrant Mexican-style twist, season the pork with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Serve the finished chops sliced thin over warm corn tortillas with a dollop of sour cream and a fresh lime wedge.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Olive oil with clarified butter (ghee). New Measurement: Use 1 tbsp (15 ml) ghee. Why: Ghee has a higher smoke point, which helps prevent scorching while achieving a deeper, more even sear on the pork chops.
Replacing: Fresh herbs with dried herbs. New Measurement: Use 1/4 tsp (1 ml) dried thyme or rosemary. Why: Dried herbs are more potent, so a smaller amount is needed, and they infuse the basting butter with flavor just as well as fresh.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store leftover cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth, or in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, to prevent drying out. Freeze: Cooked pork chops can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 380 Protein: 38g Carbs: 2g Fat: 24g
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