Imagine a dinner so delectable that it transforms an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience – our maple glazed pork loin chops are exactly that magical dish! With a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard, these succulent chops promise to elevate your home cooking from mundane to extraordinary. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin chops
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork loin chops, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Pat the pork loin chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear when cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well combined. This will be your glaze for the pork chops.
- Season the pork loin chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork loin chops to the skillet. Sear the chops for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip the pork chops over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- When the pork chops are nearly done, pour the maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze over the chops in the skillet. Allow the glaze to bubble and caramelize for about 2-3 minutes, turning the chops occasionally to coat them evenly.
- Once the pork chops are cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the maple glazed pork loin chops with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Always pat your pork chops dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking – 145°F is the perfect internal temperature for juicy pork.
- Don't rush the caramelization process; let the glaze bubble and thicken for maximum flavor.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices.
- Choose thick-cut pork loin chops for the most tender and flavorful results.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can reduce the maple syrup and Dijon mixture in the pan before adding to the pork.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary to your glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
