Quick honey & garlic pork chops
This recipe features quick honey & garlic pork chops, a simple yet flavorful dish. Pork chops are seared to perfection and then coated in a rich, sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. It's a fast main course, ideal for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of sweet and savory notes.
Equipment
- 1 Large Non-Stick Frying Pan Or cast-iron skillet for excellent searing.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk Or fork for combining sauce ingredients.
- 1 Sharp Knife For chopping garlic and parsley.
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped then crushed
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 pork chops
- a small handful of fresh parsley to serve (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the finely chopped and crushed garlic. Set aside.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil and melted unsalted butter in a large non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and a beautiful crust has formed.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey-garlic sauce over the pork chops in the pan.
- Continue to cook, flipping the chops occasionally and spooning the sauce over them, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- If desired, finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Serve the honey & garlic pork chops immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if using.
Notes
For optimal flavor, ensure garlic is finely minced or crushed to release its aromatic oils. When searing pork chops, a hot pan is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust; avoid overcrowding to maintain pan temperature. The honey-garlic sauce will reduce and thicken as the pork cooks, creating a glossy glaze. Monitor closely to prevent burning due to the sugar content. Always rest the pork chops for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist results. A quality non-stick pan is recommended for easy cleanup and consistent searing. Consider thicker cut chops for a more substantial meal, adjusting cooking time accordingly.