Why Make This Recipe
Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner. They are full of flavor and can be made in just half an hour. With a sweet and savory blend of spices, these pork chops will be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and are easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
How to Make Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granules)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful spice mix to coat the pork chops.
Season the Pork Chops:
Rub the spice mix all over the pork chops. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pork chops.
Cook the Pork Chops:
Once the pan is hot, add the pork chops. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Rest the Pork Chops:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chops more tender.
How to Serve Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Serve these delicious pork chops with your choice of sides. They pair well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
How to Store Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
If you have leftovers, let the pork chops cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a caramelized crust, you can increase the cooking time slightly.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches if needed.
Variation
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. This will add a unique taste to the pork chops. You can also try adding other spices like cumin or coriander for an extra kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. What should I do if I don’t have some spices?
If you don’t have any of the spices, you can substitute them or leave them out. It will still taste good, but the flavor might be different.
3. Can I grill these pork chops instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! These pork chops are great on the grill as well. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat before cooking.
Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Quick and flavorful brown sugar pork chops made in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granules)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the spice mix.
- Rub the spice mix all over the pork chops ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the pork chops to the pan and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking. These chops can also be grilled for an alternate cooking method.