Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops: An Irresistible Dinner Recipe

Are you searching for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops! This recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a culinary delight, featuring a savory-sweet garlic glaze that will have your family begging for seconds. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the pan, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the juicy and tender pork. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The sticky garlic glaze is packed with umami and a hint of sweetness, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
* **Tender & Juicy:** The pan-searing technique ensures that the pork chops are cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
* **Versatile:** This recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to rice and salads.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pork chops are generally an affordable cut of meat, making this a great option for budget-conscious cooks.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Chops:** Look for bone-in or boneless pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless chops cook more quickly. About 4 pork chops will serve 4 people.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for the signature garlic flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic! About 4-6 cloves are perfect.
* **Soy Sauce:** Soy sauce provides the umami base for the glaze. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Honey:** Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully. Maple syrup can be substituted, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a molasses-like depth to the glaze. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Rice vinegar balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes, but use them sparingly.
* **Sesame Oil:** Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the glaze. A little goes a long way!
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Cornstarch:** Cornstarch thickens the glaze, creating a glossy, sticky sauce.
* **Salt & Black Pepper:** To season the pork chops and enhance the overall flavor.
* **Oil:** For searing the pork chops. Vegetable oil or canola oil are good choices because of their high smoke points.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley for adding visual appeal and extra flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops every time:

**1. Prepare the Pork Chops:**

* Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Moisture prevents the meat from browning properly.
* Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper.

**2. Make the Sticky Garlic Glaze:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the glaze.

**3. Sear the Pork Chops:**

* Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate all the pork chops without overcrowding. If necessary, cook the pork chops in batches.
* Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Ensure there is enough space between each chop for even cooking.
* Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. Avoid moving the pork chops around too much while they are searing, as this will prevent them from developing a good crust.

**4. Add the Glaze:**

* Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the garlic glaze over the pork chops in the skillet.
* Bring the glaze to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir gently to combine. The glaze will thicken quickly.

**5. Simmer and Glaze:**

* Continue to simmer the pork chops in the glaze for 3-5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the glaze has thickened and become sticky. Turn the pork chops occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated in the glaze.
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. This ensures the pork is safe to eat and still juicy.

**6. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
* Drizzle the remaining glaze over the pork chops. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork chops are dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the pork chops dry before searing is essential for achieving a good crust. Moisture prevents browning.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the pork chops from searing properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use High Heat Initially:** Starting with high heat helps to create a beautiful sear on the pork chops.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, brown sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
* **Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional):** For even more flavor, marinate the pork chops in the garlic glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator. However, this is not necessary for the recipe to be delicious.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Control the Salt:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the glaze.
* **Thicken the Glaze to Your Liking:** If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Watch the garlic carefully while the glaze is simmering to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can make the glaze taste bitter.

## Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops pair well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to pork chops.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and delicious options.
* **Rice:** Steamed rice or fried rice is a great way to soak up the flavorful glaze.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and nutritious side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy coleslaw can balance the sweetness of the glaze.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and indulgent side dish that the whole family will love.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra glaze.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Honey Garlic Chicken:** Substitute chicken thighs or breasts for the pork chops for a delicious variation.
* **Maple Garlic Pork Chops:** Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Spicy Garlic Pork Chops:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for extra heat.
* **Ginger Garlic Pork Chops:** Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the glaze for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Pineapple Garlic Pork Chops:** Add pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the glaze for a tropical twist.
* **Different Cuts of Pork:** While pork chops are the star of this recipe, you could also use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Sweetener Alternatives:** You can experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or stevia, but adjust the quantity accordingly.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pork chops in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To prevent them from drying out, add a splash of water or broth to the container before reheating.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Conclusion

These Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops are a surefire way to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. The combination of tender pork and a sticky, flavorful glaze is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying dinner!

## Recipe Card

**Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops**

A quick and easy recipe for flavorful pork chops with a sticky garlic glaze.

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 pork chops (1-inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
* Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Reduce heat to medium, pour glaze over pork chops.
7. Bring glaze to a simmer, add cornstarch slurry, and stir gently.
8. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until pork is cooked through and glaze has thickened, turning pork occasionally.
9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer (145°F/63°C).
10. Remove from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes.
11. Drizzle remaining glaze over pork chops. Garnish and serve.

**Notes:**

* Don’t overcook the pork chops.
* Adjust the glaze to your taste.
* Marinate for extra flavor (optional).

Enjoy your delicious Sticky Garlic Glazed Pork Chops!