Description
Quick, comforting pork chops with a sweet and slightly smoky flavor, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick; bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works nicely)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another high-smoke-point oil)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until evenly blended.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture over both sides of each chop, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the pork chops in a single layer. Cook without moving for 4–5 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side another 4–5 minutes.
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chop. Remove when the temperature reads 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- Transfer to a plate, rest, then slice or present whole.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar. Adjust cooking time for thicker chops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chop
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pork chops, quick dinner, one-pan meal, family-friendly, weeknight dinner