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4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions):
1. Season the Pork Chops:
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Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chops:
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
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Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
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Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Coat the Pork Chops:
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Return pork chops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
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Let them simmer in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes, flipping once to fully glaze both sides.
Serving and Storage Tips:
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Serve Hot: Drizzle remaining sauce over chops before serving.
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Great with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, rice, or roasted carrots.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out.
Variants (Tasty Twists to Try):
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Add Ginger: Stir in 1/2 tsp of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
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Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
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Swap the Protein: Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even salmon with the same honey garlic sauce.
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Add Veggies: Sauté broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans in the same pan after removing the pork for a one-pan meal.
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Grilled Option: Grill the seasoned pork chops and brush with the sauce during the last few minutes.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Yes! Just adjust cooking time, as bone-in cuts may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Q: Can I bake the pork chops instead?
A: Absolutely. Sear first for color, then transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Pour sauce over before serving.
Q: Can I double the sauce?
A: Definitely! This sauce is so good, many people love to double it to pour over rice or vegetables.
Q: Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
A: Try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or low-sodium Worcestershire sauce in a pinch.
Q: How do I know when the pork is cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest.
Conclusion:
These Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops are everything you want in a main dish—fast, flavorful, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting dinner guests, this recipe will earn rave reviews every time. Sweet, garlicky, and perfectly glazed—this is one pork chop recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 🍯🧄
