Glazed Pork Chops

A simple trick for the juiciest pork chops every single time.

By
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel has over 10 years of experience developing recipes and writing about food. She is the author of 4 cookbooks, including the bestselling "The Instant Pot Electric Cookbook."
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Updated February 06, 2025
Laurel Randolph
glazed pork chops in a wide skillet at a table setting with a stack of bowls, a table napkin, and a small bowl of sliced scallions

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Pork chops made frequent dinnertime appearances in my home growing up. So often that, once I started cooking for myself, I rarely cooked them. I felt like I had eaten enough pork chops for a lifetime.

That all changed when I discovered a new way of preparing them. In fact, this might be the best way of all—seared in a pan and glazed with a flavorful sauce. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty. The whole family will love it, especially when served over rice or mashed potatoes.

The Secret to Moist Pork Chops

The secret to moist pork chops is not overcooking them. Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Dry brining also helps enhance both the moisture and flavor of the meat. This recipe has the pork sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to help the salt penetrate the meat before cooking.

Simple Tip!

Choose thicker (1-inch), center-cut boneless chops for even cooking and even more juiciness.

glazed pork chops served with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate at a dinner table

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

What To Serve with Glazed Pork Chops

Glazed Pork Chops

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 17 mins
Dry Brine 15 mins
Total Time 37 mins
Servings 4 servings

This recipe was developed by Jasmine Smith.

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Ingredients

  • 4 (6-ounce, 1-inch-thick) boneless, center-cut pork chops

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 6 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 large garlic clove, grated or minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish, optional

Method

  1. Dry brine the pork:

    Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season evenly with the salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

    pork chops seasoned with salt and pepper on a cutting board for glazed pork chops recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  2. Meanwhile, make the glaze:

    Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper in a medium bowl until combined and the sugar is dissolved.

    bowl of glaze for glazed pork chops recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  3. Cook the pork chops:

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it ripples across the pan when you tilt it. Add the seasoned pork chops and cook until browned on both sides and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chops registers 135°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side, reducing the heat if pork darkens too quickly. Transfer to a plate.

    pork chops cooked in a wide skillet for glazed pork chops recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  4. Make the glaze:

    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the glaze and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. 

    glaze reduced in the wide skillet (no pork chops in the skillet) for glazed pork chops recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  5. Glaze the pork chops:

    Return the pork chops and add any accumulated juices to the pan. Cook, basting pork chops with sauce, until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency, coats the pork chops, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of pork registers 145°F, 3 to 4 minutes. 

    Remove from the heat. Garnish with scallions and serve drizzled with any remaining glaze. 

    Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a review below!

    pork chops added back to the skillet and topped with the glaze glaze reduced in the wide skillet (no pork chops in the skillet) for glazed pork chops recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
    glazed pork chops in the wide skillet

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
    glazed pork chops served with green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy (two plates) at a table setting with utensils, a small bowl of sliced scallions, salt and pepper shakers, and a glass of water

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
401 Calories
21g Fat
18g Carbs
34g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 401
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 1266mg 55%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 34g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 54mg 4%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 547mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.