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pan-seared honey garlic pork chops - featured image

Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Pork Chops: Best 15-Min Meal


  • Author: Thea
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A fast, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops seared in a skillet and coated in a sticky, glossy honey garlic glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in, center-cut, 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper, for seasoning
  • Optional garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and water until combined.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Place pork chops in the skillet, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  5. Flip chops and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove chops to a plate and tent with foil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and stir in butter until melted and glossy.
  9. Return pork chops to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Let sit for 1 minute to reheat and absorb flavor.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Patting the chops dry is crucial for a good sear. Do not move the chops while searing to ensure a crispy crust. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of water. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. This recipe does not freeze well.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sau
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: pork chops, honey garlic, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet dinner, 15 minute meals, easy recipes, family dinner