Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipes

This Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-08T18:25:28.620Z

This dish combines the richness of pork with the sweet tang of balsamic and maple, resulting in a flavor explosion that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and flavorful glaze that complements the pork perfectly
  • Quick preparation and cooking time for a weeknight delight
  • A beautiful dish that impresses at any dinner table

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup creates a beautifully balanced glaze that is both sweet and tangy. This harmony of flavors enhances the natural richness of the pork chops, making every bite an explosion of taste. The addition of Dijon mustard introduces a subtle depth that complements the sweetness and acidity of the glaze, ensuring that the dish is anything but ordinary.

When preparing this dish, the glaze plays a crucial role in elevating the flavor profile. As it reduces on the stovetop, it thickens and intensifies, coating the pork chops in a luscious layer that seals in moisture. This technique not only enhances the taste but also helps to create a visually stunning dish, perfect for impressing family and friends at any gathering.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious meal can be challenging. This Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze recipe is designed with busy weeknights in mind. With a preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on the table without sacrificing quality or flavor.

The steps are straightforward and require minimal ingredients, making it easy for both novice and experienced cooks. The pork chops sear quickly in the skillet, and the glaze can be prepared simultaneously, allowing for a seamless cooking experience that saves you time and effort. This recipe proves that a delicious, home-cooked meal doesn’t have to take hours to prepare.

Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze:

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Once you have gathered all ingredients, you are ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze:

Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Season the Pork Chops

Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

Sear the Pork Chops

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Glaze the Pork Chops

Pour the prepared balsamic maple glaze over the pork chops in the skillet. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chops.

Serve

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh thyme and extra glaze if desired.

Enjoy your Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze!

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

For best results, choose bone-in pork chops, as the bone helps to retain moisture and adds flavor during cooking. Look for chops that are at least 1 inch thick to prevent them from drying out. If using boneless chops, adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook evenly without becoming tough.

Let the pork chops rest after cooking for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chop. A simple resting period can make a significant difference in the overall texture and taste of your dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The balsamic maple glaze can also be stored separately for added flavor when reheating. To reheat, simply warm the pork chops in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

For a quick lunch or dinner option, slice the leftover pork chops and toss them into a salad or serve them over a bed of rice. The flavors of the glaze will continue to enhance the dish, making your leftovers just as delightful as the original meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ How do I know when the pork is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze

This Pork Chop with Balsamic Maple Glaze is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 bone-in pork chops
  2. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  3. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  4. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  8. Fresh thyme for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 02

Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 04

Pour the prepared balsamic maple glaze over the pork chops in the skillet. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chops.

Step 05

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh thyme and extra glaze if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g