Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Introduction:

Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a delicious and succulent main dish that combines the savory richness of pork with the sweetness of honey and the bold flavor of garlic.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of umami from the addition of soy sauce and rice vinegar, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.

The pork chops are first dry-brined to ensure juiciness, then baked to perfection and finished with a quick sear in a hot skillet to achieve a beautiful crust.

The final touch is a generous coating of a thick, flavorful honey garlic sauce that takes these pork chops to the next level.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

4 pieces boneless pork loin chops (½-inch thick, about ½ lb or 227 g each)

2 teaspoons kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)

1 teaspoon black pepper (16-mesh coarse ground recommended)

1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)

4 tablespoons honey

For Garnishing (Optional):

Fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops (Dry Brine):

Salt the Meat: The day before cooking, place the pork chops in a single layer on a container or baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with the kosher salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours. This process, known as dry brining, helps to keep the pork chops juicy during cooking.

2. Bake the Pork Chops:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). If using a convection oven, set it at the same temperature. If using a conventional oven, the cooking time may vary slightly.

Season and Bake: Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the black pepper evenly over both sides of the pork chops. Insert a meat probe into the center of the thickest pork chop and bake until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). This should take about 45 minutes with a convection oven or up to an hour in a conventional oven.

3. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Cook the Garlic: While the pork chops are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Make the Sauce: Add the mirin, sake, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey to the saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together and cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. It’s important to thicken the sauce at this stage to avoid overcooking the pork later.

4. Sear the Pork Chops:

Heat the Skillet: Once the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), remove them from the oven. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. When the oil starts to smoke slightly, place the pork chops in the skillet.

Sear the Pork Chops: Sear the pork chops for 1 minute on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Be sure to press down on the pork chops to ensure good contact with the skillet. After searing, the internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).

Coat with Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the pork chops and spoon the sauce over them several times to coat evenly.

5. Serve:

Plate and Garnish: Serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with the remaining honey garlic sauce from the skillet. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Accompaniments: These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings out the best in this versatile cut of meat.

The combination of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and the umami-rich sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

By following the steps to dry-brine the pork chops and cook them to the perfect temperature, you ensure they stay juicy and tender.

This dish is not only delicious but also easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Enjoy the rich flavors and juicy texture of these Honey Garlic Pork Chops with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.