An easy spice rub brings sweet and smoky flavor with an irresistible caramelized finish to your pork chop dinner.
They say it’s the simple things that really matter. Never is that more true than at dinnertime on a weeknight! I am always looking for delicious and nutritious meal ideas that I can get on the table quickly.
That’s exactly what appeals to me about this brown sugar pork chops recipe. By simply adding a few common spices and searing the pork chops on the stovetop for a couple of minutes, you can transform an affordable cut of pork into a tender, tasty experience in no time. The recipe and cooking process are simple—but the results are incredible!
By searing the pork chops before cooking them in the oven, the brown sugar in the spice mixture is able to caramelize, adding some sweetness to the savory pork. The paprika and garlic powder add depth of flavor and aromatics to the dish. And if you’re careful not to overcook the chops in the oven, they’ll end up with a juicy center inside that crispy seared exterior. That all adds up to a deeply satisfying combo of savory, sweet, and umami flavors in every bite!
This dish comes together quickly, making it part of my regular dinner rotation. On really hectic nights, I’ll pair it with nothing more than a simple side salad. But for a romantic night in with my partner, I’ll add a bottle of wine.
Are Brown Sugar Pork Chops Healthy?
Brown sugar pork chops are a high-protein dish with a moderate calorie count. The use of a simple spice rub and minimal olive oil for pan-searing keeps added calories and sodium in check, making this recipe a healthier option compared to breaded or fried pork chops. Pork is also naturally rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, iron, and potassium.
Choosing a leaner cut of pork and trimming visible fat from the chops can further reduce saturated fat content and make the dish leaner. To make it Paleo-friendly, replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like raw honey or pure maple syrup.
Customize Your Flavor Profile
Brown sugar is the star ingredient in the spice mixture for this recipe, lending a sweet, caramelized flavor to the pork chops. But you can easily customize the flavor profile to suit your taste.
For a warm, cozy twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground coriander to the spice rub—these spices pair beautifully with brown sugar and enhance the pork’s natural sweetness. If you prefer a sweet-and-spicy kick, mix in a bit of cumin, chili powder, or ground mustard. Start with a quarter teaspoon of each and adjust to your liking.
For even more variety, top the pork chops with a few slices of pineapple or mango during the last 10 minutes of baking. The fruit will caramelize slightly and add a bright, fruity contrast to the savory meat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors—such as smoked paprika, fresh thyme, or rosemary—to make the recipe your own. Adjust the spice levels to suit your preference, and enjoy discovering your ideal flavor combination.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven, the microwave, or on the stovetop—making sure the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
I typically like to serve one or two vegetable side dishes with my brown sugar pork chops. One of my favorites is Honey-Glazed Carrots, although Cumin-Roasted Carrots are a great complement as well. Other faves include Grilled Broccoli and Instant-Pot Green Beans. Of course, a serving of Healthy Mashed Potatoes is always a good side dish to pair with pork chops, too. And don’t forget something sweet and light for dessert, like this Lemon Icebox Pie.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Rub the spice mixture over both sides of the pork chops. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops until browned, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Place the seared pork chops in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
- Remove the pork chops from the oven.
- Let them rest for 3 minutes, then serve while hot.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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