Elevate your dinner game with these Delicious Brown Sugar Chops, a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of pork chops with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this recipe ensures each chop is juicy, tender, and packed with flavors that complement each other beautifully. Follow these straightforward steps to create a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 thick 1-inch pork chops
- 4 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
FIRST STEP: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Take a large baking pan and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Arrange your pork chops in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
SECOND STEP: Season the Chops
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over each pork chop, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Then, place a square tablespoon of butter on top of each chop. The brown sugar and butter will melt together during cooking, creating a deliciously sweet glaze.
THIRD STEP: Add Sauces and Bake
Drizzle both the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce evenly over the pork chops. These sauces add a rich depth of flavor and a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. The foil helps to keep the chops tender and juicy by preventing the moisture from evaporating too quickly.
FOURTH STEP: Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking the pork chops for an additional 20 minutes. This final step allows the outside of the chops to caramelize slightly and turn a beautiful golden brown, while also ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F (63°C), as recommended for pork.
Once done, remove the chops from the oven. You'll find them perfectly cooked with a delicious glaze that's both sweet and savory. Allow the chops to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last.
Cooking Note:
Always check the internal temperature of your pork chops with a meat thermometer to ensure they're safely cooked. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork, followed by a 3-minute rest time.
Serving Suggestions:
These Delicious Brown Sugar Chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. More sugar will result in a sweeter glaze, while less will tone down the sweetness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
Delicious Brown Sugar Chops are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that's both easy to make and a joy to eat. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just looking to add some variety to your weeknight meals, these pork chops are sure to impress. Enjoy the tender, flavorful meat with its caramelized glaze for a meal that's sure to become a new favorite.
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