Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Our maple-glazed pork chops are so delicious, you may just want to try the glaze on other meats too. Made from apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, the glaze is both tangy and sweet, and it’s the perfect choice for a tasty pork chop. The entire dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for just about any night.

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

• All-purpose flour: Flour, salt and pepper team up to make the breading for the pork chops.
• Pork chops: You’ll want to choose four 7-ounce bone-in pork loin chops for this recipe.
• Butter: Butter keeps the chops from sticking to the skillet as you cook them while adding flavor as well.
• Cider vinegar and maple syrup: Apple cider vinegar serves as the tangy part of the delicious maple glaze, which also calls for maple syrup. You’ll want to use a true maple syrup rather than one that’s simply maple flavored.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the maple glaze for these pan pork chops.
• Brown sugar: The brown sugar broils on top of the chops for a sweet, molasses-like flavor beneath the maple glaze. Pack the brown sugar firmly into the measuring cup to get an accurate measurement.

Directions

Step 1: Bread the pork chops

In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the pork chops, and flip them over to coat both sides.

Step 2: Fry the pork chops

In a large ovenproof skillet, cook the chops in butter over medium heat until a thermometer reads 145°F, four to five minutes on each side. Remove the chops and keep them warm.

Step 3: Start the glaze

In the same skillet, bring the vinegar to a boil. Reduce the heat, then add the maple syrup. Cover the skillet and cook the syrup mixture for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the glaze

In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth, then gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the maple mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cook and stir until it thickens, about two minutes.

Step 5: Broil the pork chops

Place the chops on a broiler pan, then sprinkle them with the brown sugar. Broil them 4 inches from the heat until the brown sugar is melted, one to two minutes. Drizzle the pork chops with maple glaze before serving.

Maple-Glazed Pork Chop Variations

• Use balsamic vinegar: Swap the cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar to add flavor complexity to the glaze. Balsamic vinegar and maple syrup also make a tasty pork chop marinade.
• Change the flavors: Make a glaze of soy sauce, honey and ginger from these ginger pork chops for a flavor variation that’s sweet and full of umami.
• Add pineapple: Place pineapple rings or chunks in the pan when you’re making the glaze for a lovely glazed pineapple topping for the pork chops.

How to Store Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

When the maple pork chops cool, place them without their glaze in airtight storage containers or food-storage bags and keep them in the refrigerator. Eat the pork chops within three or four days.

Can you freeze maple-glazed pork chops?

Yes, you can. Frozen pork chops will last three months, when stored properly. When they’re cool, place the unglazed pork chops in zippered freezer bags and press the excess air out. If you’re storing more than one in a bag, place freezer paper or waxed paper between the chops so they’re easier to separate later. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator the night before you plan to enjoy them again.

Maple-Glazed Pork Chop Tips

Could I use boneless pork chops instead?

Sure! Use boneless pork loin cuts of a similar size. Here’s a handy guide to the various cuts of pork that are most common at a supermarket.

Should I use a cast-iron skillet?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for making maple-glazed skillet pork chops, as it can handle the heat. Avoid using thin-bottomed skillets, as they’ll heat unevenly and are more likely to leave a burnt mess in the pan afterward.

Can I bake the pork chops instead?

Absolutely! Heat the oven to 350°, and place the chops in a greased baking dish. Bake them until a thermometer inserted near the middle of a chop reaches 145°, which could take 20 to 30 minutes, depending upon the pork’s thickness. Also try this tasty recipe for baked pork chops!