Flavorful Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops
Tender bone-in pork chops glazed with a sticky, caramelized whiskey sauce that balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup whiskey (60ml) – bourbon or rye recommended
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml), low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (15ml) for searing
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, whiskey, soy sauce, softened butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth.
- Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil or butter.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a golden crust. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the glaze over the pork chops, swirling the pan to coat evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, spooning glaze over chops frequently until thick and sticky but not burnt.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove chops from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Use medium to medium-low heat when adding glaze to avoid burning. Spoon glaze often over chops to build sticky layers. Let pork rest after cooking to keep juicy. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pat pork dry before seasoning for better sear. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or whiskey to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce; for dairy-free, use coconut oil or plant-based margarine instead of butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 35
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