These Easy Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops are juicy and full of flavor! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time.
I love how the sweet honey and garlic add such a nice touch to the pork. It’s perfect for a busy night when you want something simple yet delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Pork Chops: These are the star of the dish! Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking. You can substitute with boneless chicken breasts if you prefer poultry.
Honey: Honey gives the sauce its sweetness and a lovely sticky texture. If you need a replacement, maple syrup can work well, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth to the flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce, or try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can be used as alternatives. Balsamic vinegar could also work in a pinch for a sweeter profile.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a little heat! You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
How Do You Sear Pork Chops Perfectly?
Searing pork chops gives them a wonderful crust while keeping them juicy inside. Here are some tips to get that perfect sear:
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough by adding a drop of water; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to keep the heat up.
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them tender.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have beautifully seared pork chops every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have these tasty pork chops ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Sear the Chops:
In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, then carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they have beautiful grill marks and are cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same pan you used for the pork, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and the crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Glaze the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the pan and spoon the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, gently turning the chops to coat them evenly in that sweet, sticky glaze.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to soak in. Serve the pork chops warm, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the pan, and add fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs as a garnish, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, tender Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops!
FAQ About Easy Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! While boneless pork chops work great, you can also use bone-in chops or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts may require a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or even substitute it with a lesser sweetener like agave nectar. Conversely, if you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey to enhance that flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cook the pork chops ahead of time, let them cool, and then reheat them gently in the sauce before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
