Description
A quick, 5-ingredient weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic rub, seared to perfection for a caramelized crust and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork chops (bone-in, center-cut, about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Take pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to reach room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Brush olive oil over both sides of the pork chops. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the chops and press gently to adhere.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chops in the pan without crowding.
- Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chops.
- Reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. In the last minute, sprinkle minced garlic over the chops or add it to the oil.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove chops from the pan and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or broth to create a pan sauce, then pour over the chops.
Notes
Do not skip the resting step to ensure juices redistribute. Brown sugar burns easily, so monitor heat closely and use medium-high rather than high. Fresh garlic is recommended over jarred for better flavor. If chops are thicker than 1.5 inches, pound them gently to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chop per serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 35
Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar garlic, easy dinner, weeknight meals, 5 ingredient recipe, juicy pork chops, cast iron skillet