Pork chops are one of my favorite cuts of meat, and when seasoned and cooked correctly, they can be incredibly tender and flavorful. Today, I want to share with you my tried-and-true recipe for the best honey garlic pork chops. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how I prepare them.
To start, I gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Once I have all my ingredients ready, I start with the marinade. In a medium bowl, I combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This mixture is the star of the dish, infusing the pork chops with a delicious flavor. I add the black pepper and salt to taste, stirring everything together until well blended.
Next, I place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. I make sure to coat each chop thoroughly. Sealing the bag helps the flavors penetrate the meat better, so I seal it tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, I prefer to let them marinate for up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
After marinating, I take the pork chops out and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, which helps them cook evenly. Meanwhile, I preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, I place the pork chops in the skillet one by one, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. I cook the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (I aim for an internal temperature of 145°F).
Once the pork chops are cooked, I pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two. This not only helps thicken the sauce but also ensures that all the flavors are brought out. I then drizzle the thickened sauce over the pork chops before serving.
For garnish, I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an added pop of color and freshness. I serve these honey garlic pork chops with a side of my favorite vegetables or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
And that’s it! Making the best honey garlic pork chops is simple and rewarding. I’m sure you’ll find that this dish is a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy your cooking and savor every delicious bite!
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