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.
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.
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.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
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 both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
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.
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.
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