Maple Dijon Glazed Pork Chops

Servings: 4 🍽️
Prep Time: 10 minutes ⏱️
Marinating Time: 15 minutes ⏳
Cooking Time: 15 minutes 🔥
Total Time: 40 minutes ⏲️

📝 Ingredients:

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) 🥩
2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 🟡
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 🍁
2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) 🌿
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional garnish: chopped parsley 🌿

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. 🥄

Marinate the Pork Chops:
Brush the glaze over both sides of the pork chops. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. 🕒

Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. 🔥

Glaze and Finish Cooking:
Reduce heat to medium. Brush additional glaze over the chops and cook for another 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The glaze should be sticky and caramelized. 🍁🥩

Rest and Serve:
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. 🌿

💡 Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the glaze. 🍋
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. 🥔🥗
• Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier, but boneless works fine too. 🥩

Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and perfectly glazed Maple Dijon Pork Chops! 😋🍽️