A Time-Saving Recipe for Busy Days
Let me introduce you to my effortless maple glazed pork chops. You’re going to want to add this one to your recipe repertoire for chaotic and busy days.
If you’re a parent, I’m sure you can relate when I say that the toughest part of parenting isn’t actually looking after the kids themselves—it’s trying to get anything else done while taking care of those little bundles of energy! Now, don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy cooking, but let’s be real, most days, I just want to whip something up without too much fuss. And let’s cross our fingers that it gets easier as the kids get older (please say yes, because I am already having a pretty crappy day!). But enough about that, because I have something fantastic to share with you. It’s a real game-changer for days like these. Seriously, it’s a total lifesaver. It’s lightning-fast to make, with simple ingredients and steps that won’t make you break a sweat. Plus, it’s practically foolproof, needing zero brainpower or energy. And the icing on the cake? It’s incredibly flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners. Trust me; it’s a busy parent’s dream come true! 🍽️✨
So why should you make this recipe:
– It is an incredibly easy recipe. This is for sure the best pork chops for busy days.
-It uses pantry staples. You probably already have everything needed to make it.
-It can be marinated ahead of time and it can also be frozen.
– And the best part- a great way to get dinner on the table fast with minimal effort
Ingredients for the maple glazed chops:
- 6-8 boneless pork chops
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp of pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- drizzle of olive oil
Directions for maple glazed pork chops:
- In a bowl or a resealable ziplock bag, combine the pork chops with all the marinade ingredients – soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, or honey and garlic powder. Make sure each chop is coated evenly. This marinade imparts a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your pork chops to a whole new level.
2. Now comes the choice: you can choose to freeze the marinated pork chops for another day. Alternatively, allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
3. If you’ve opted for the marinating route, it’s time to take your marinated pork chops out of the fridge. The aroma alone will get your taste buds excited! If you’ve frozen them, make sure to thaw the chops overnight in your refrigerator.
4. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat.
5. Once its hot and ready, add a drizzle of olive oil, and place the marinated pork chops on it. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chops, so keep a close eye on them.
6. As the chops cook, you’ll notice the marinade forming a beautiful glaze on the surface. This is where the magic happens – the sugars from the maple syrup or honey caramelize, enhancing the flavor and creating a delightful combination of sweet and savory notes, and a nice sear.
7. Once fully cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a succulent and tender bite.
And there you have it – Flavorful Marinated Pork Chops that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious to savor. This recipe not only saves you precious time on busy days but also offers a delectable solution to meal planning. These pork chops are sure to be liked by the whole family. So, get ready to savor the convenience and flavor fusion of this fantastic recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I marinate the pork chops for longer than 20 minutes?
- Yes, you can! The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the pork chops will be. You can marinate them for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of maple syrup or honey?
- Of course, feel free to customize! You can substitute maple syrup or honey with brown sugar, agave nectar, or even a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.
3. Can I grill these?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to sear them over medium-high heat until they’re cooked through.
4. How do I know when the pork chops are done cooking?
- The pork chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Can I freeze the marinated pork chops for longer storage?
- Yes, you can! After marinating, you can freeze the pork chops in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling.
6. What sides pair well with these pork chops?
- These pork chops go wonderfully with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. The versatile flavor of the pork makes it easy to pair with your favorite sides.
7. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option?
- Absolutely! If you’re looking to reduce sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce without sacrificing flavor. The marinade will still impart a delicious taste to your pork chops.
8. Can I use bone-in pork chops? Yes you can!
10. Do I have to use real maple syrup? Yes I would use real maple syrup ( I haven’t tested with anything else). However, if you do not have it I would just use honey instead.
11. Can it be made using an air fryer? Well for best results I would recommend using a stainless steel skillet, a cast-iron skillet, a grill pan, or even grilling it outside. I think those methods produce a more flavorful pork chop. However, I am going to be completely honest and say that many times I just throw everything into my air fryer. Like I said this is my go-to recipe for busy, chaotic, or stressful days. This means I might not be able to babysit pork chops in a skillet and make sure none of the kids get near the stove top etc. So, yes I have done it many times using an air fryer, but for optimal results, I wouldn’t recommend it as I find it results in dry pork chops. They are much more juicy and tender when I make them using my stainless steel skillet. If you are going to make them in your air frier my tip would be to preheat your pan/air frier basket prior to placing your pork chops in them. Cook time may vary depending on the thickness of the chops, so keep an eye on them.
Effortless Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 bowl or ziplock bag
- 1 large stainless steel skillet
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless pork chops
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp of pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl or a resealable ziplock bag, combine the pork chops with all the marinade ingredients – soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Make sure each chop is coated evenly.
- At this point you can choose to freeze the marinated pork chops. Alternatively, allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 20 minutes or longer in the fridge. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
- If you've opted for the marinating route, it's time to take your marinated pork chops out of the fridge. If you've frozen them, make sure to thaw the chops overnight in your refrigerator.
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat.
- Once its hot and ready, add a drizzle of olive oil, and place the marinated pork chops on it. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chops, so keep a close eye on them.
- As the chops cook, you’ll notice the marinade forming a beautiful glaze on the surface.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a succulent and tender bite.
- And there you have it – Flavorful Marinated Pork Chops that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious to savor.
Other quick recipes you may like
If you liked this recipe and you are looking for other quick ones, you will probably also like these:
As always if you make any of my recipes don’t forget to share it with me, send me pictures and leave a comment below. I would love to see it. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Have a great weekend everyone,
Claudia
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