Description
This Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe combines a sweet and spicy homemade spice rub with juicy, tender pork chops cooked to perfection in a skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these pork chops have a flavorful caramelized crust and are ready in just half an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granules)
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly to create a balanced and fragrant spice blend.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, then evenly rub the prepared spice mixture over each chop to coat them thoroughly.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking, which will help achieve a nice caramelized crust on the pork chops.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops carefully into the hot skillet. Cook them undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on one side to develop a golden, caramelized exterior. Flip the pork chops and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked pork chops.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Resting the pork chops after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or apple cider vinegar after removing the chops.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: brown sugar pork chops, quick pork chops, Cajun pork chops, easy pork chop recipe, 30 minute pork chops, skillet pork chops
