Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory maple-soy glaze. This recipe ensures juicy meat and rich flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 bone-in, thick-cut pork chops (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado or canola oil
- ½ cup real maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes or thyme. Set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the pork chops in batches (do not crowd the pan). Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and sear for another 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the glaze mixture into the pan around the chops and add the butter. Tilt the pan and spoon the glaze over the chops repeatedly to baste. Cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Transfer chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the remaining glaze in the pan for 1-2 minutes to reduce into a sauce, then drizzle over the chops before serving.
Notes
Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor. Bone-in chops stay juicier, but boneless works if you reduce cooking time slightly. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F. Do not skip the resting step to ensure juicy meat. Watch the heat closely as maple syrup burns easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with gla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 35
Keywords: maple glazed pork chops, fall dinner, weeknight dinner, easy pork recipe, maple syrup glaze, cast iron pork chops