These Easy Pork Chops with Sweet and Sour Glaze are quick to make, delicious, and a perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors. The sweet and sour glaze adds a rich, sticky coating to the pork chops, making them incredibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the pork chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the sweet and sour glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the pork chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Cook the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pork chops for an additional 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

3. Make the sweet and sour glaze: While the pork chops are cooking, in a small saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Coat the pork chops: Once the pork chops are cooked, pour the glaze over them in the skillet. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chops.

5. Serve: Serve the pork chops immediately, spooning any extra glaze from the skillet over the top.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 270 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 620mg

• Potassium: 460mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 13g

• Vitamin A: 240 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 30mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Pork Chops: Tender and Flavorful

The pork chops form the heart of this dish, and whether you choose bone-in or boneless, they provide a juicy and savory base that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and sour glaze. By seasoning the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, you ensure a simple yet flavorful foundation before cooking. The key to perfect pork chops is getting a golden sear on each side, which helps lock in the juices and ensures the meat stays moist and tender.

Cooking the pork chops over medium-high heat allows them to develop a beautiful golden crust on the outside while maintaining a juicy interior. Once seared, the pork chops are cooked on medium heat for a few more minutes to ensure they are cooked through without drying out. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked pork. This method ensures that the pork chops are flavorful and tender, making them the ideal vehicle for the sweet and tangy glaze.

The Sweet and Sour Glaze: Tangy, Sweet, and Savory

The sweet and sour glaze is the star of this dish, offering a beautiful balance of tanginess from apple cider vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar, and a savory depth from soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Ketchup provides the base of the glaze, contributing both sweetness and body to the sauce, while the garlic and ginger (if you choose to include it) add an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor.

The glaze is simmered in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly, which allows it to coat the pork chops beautifully when poured over them. The caramelization of the glaze during the final few minutes of cooking creates a glossy, sticky coating that adheres to the pork chops, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. The result is a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the pork.

Cooking Process: Quick and Simple

This dish is quick to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights. First, you sear the pork chops on both sides to develop a golden-brown crust. This step only takes a few minutes, but it ensures a flavorful exterior. After searing, the heat is reduced, and the pork chops are cooked for another 5-6 minutes on each side, allowing them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F and cook through while staying tender and juicy.

As the pork chops cook, the glaze is prepared in a small saucepan. It’s a simple combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and ginger. Once the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens slightly, it’s poured over the cooked pork chops, where it continues to cook for a minute or two, allowing the glaze to caramelize and coat the pork chops.

Serving Suggestions: A Well-Rounded Meal

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to turn into a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots would add a touch of color and nutrition to your plate. These vegetables complement the sweet and sour flavors of the pork without overpowering them.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the pork chops over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. The glaze soaks into the grains, adding extra flavor to your side dish.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully with the sweet and sour glaze, as they provide a neutral base to balance the richness of the pork.

Nutritional Information: A Balanced Meal

Each serving of Easy Pork Chops with Sweet and Sour Glaze contains 270 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying meal. The dish provides 26 grams of protein, which is great for muscle repair and overall health. The total fat is 14 grams, including 3 grams of saturated fat, which comes primarily from the pork chops themselves. This provides a rich, satisfying texture without being overly greasy.

The dish also offers 16 grams of carbohydrates, including 13 grams of sugar, which mainly comes from the brown sugar and ketchup in the glaze. Despite the sweetness, the meal remains balanced with 1 gram of fiber. The sodium content is 620mg, which is reasonable given the soy sauce, but you can adjust the salt level by using low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

In terms of micronutrients, the pork chops provide a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which support healthy vision, immune function, and red blood cell production.

Conclusion: Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night

Easy Pork Chops with Sweet and Sour Glaze is a fantastic meal that combines rich, savory flavors with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s sure to impress. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the pork chops, coupled with the glossy, caramelized glaze, make for a satisfying and flavorful dish. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious and balanced meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.