Juicy pork chops meet the irresistible sweetness of maple syrup in this mouthwatering dish.
Perfectly seared and glazed to perfection, these chops strike a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet or an impressive entrée for guests, maple glazed pork chops are always a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Balanced flavors – The glaze combines sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon, and savory spices for a flavor-packed bite.
- ✅ Restaurant-worthy at home – Simple techniques like pan-searing and glazing give you results that rival fine dining.
- ✅ Versatile serving options – Pair with roasted veggies, grains, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- ✅ Easy yet impressive – With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes special.
- ✅ Customizable glaze – Make it spicy, smoky, or boozy depending on your taste.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, or use boneless if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup bourbon (optional – substitute with apple juice if desired)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Optional Brine (for juicier chops):
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Optional Brine (recommended for juiciness):
In a large bowl, dissolve salt and sugar in water. Submerge pork chops and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Drain, rinse, and pat dry before cooking. - Prepare the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, bourbon (or apple juice), vinegar, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze reduces by about one-third and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside. - Sear the Pork Chops:
Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. - Glaze and Finish Cooking:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Brush chops with maple glaze, cooking an additional 2–3 minutes per side and brushing frequently with more glaze. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). - Rest and Serve:
Remove pork chops from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with any remaining glaze and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in chops for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t skip the resting step – it ensures the juices stay in the meat.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne or chili flakes to the glaze.
- Make extra glaze – it’s delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Grilled Version: Grill chops over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with glaze in the last few minutes.
- Smoky Maple: Add a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or wild rice.
- Pair with green beans, asparagus, or a crisp apple slaw for freshness.
- Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or chilled hard apple cider.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes! Boneless chops work fine but cook faster, so reduce cooking time slightly.
Do I have to use pure maple syrup?
For best results, yes. Pancake syrups won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.
What temperature should pork be cooked to?
Always cook pork to 145°F (63°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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