Description
Craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that balances sweet and savory notes with tender pork chops? The Sweet Barbecue Pork Chops, with 68 glowing reviews, are your answer! This dish features boneless pork loin chops seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, sweet barbecue sauce with honey, brown sugar, and a touch of French dressing
Ingredients
To make Sweet Barbecue Pork Chops for 8 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:
- Canola Oil (2 tbsp): Used for browning, providing a neutral base.
- Boneless Pork Loin Chops (8, ¾-inch thick, 8 oz each): Juicy, lean protein base.
- Packed Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds caramel-like sweetness.
- Chopped Sweet Onion (½ cup): Brings sweet, savory depth.
- Ketchup (½ cup): Provides tangy, tomatoey flavor.
- Barbecue Sauce (½ cup): Adds smoky, savory richness.
- French Salad Dressing (½ cup): Contributes a tangy, slightly sweet note.
- Honey (½ cup): Enhances sweetness and creates a sticky glaze.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Pork Chops: Swap with bone-in pork chops, chicken thighs, or tofu steaks for a vegetarian option (adjust cooking time).
- Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or reduce to ¼ cup for less sweetness.
- Onion: Replace with yellow onion, shallots, or omit for a smoother sauce.
- Ketchup/Barbecue Sauce: Use all ketchup or all barbecue sauce if one is unavailable.
- French Dressing: Substitute with Thousand Island dressing or a mix of mayo and vinegar.
- Add-Ons: Include garlic, diced bell peppers, or a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure barbecue sauce, ketchup, and French dressing are gluten-free (check labels).
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The pork chops provide hearty protein, while the brown sugar, honey, and sauces create a sticky, sweet-tangy glaze. The onion adds depth, making this a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for comfort food lovers.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp canola oil over medium heat.
- Working in batches, brown 8 boneless pork loin chops (¾-inch thick, 8 oz each) for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Return all chops to the skillet.
Tip: Pat chops dry with paper towels for better browning, and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even searing.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup chopped sweet onion, ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup barbecue sauce, ½ cup French salad dressing, and ½ cup honey until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the skillet.
Tip: Stir the sauce thoroughly to dissolve the brown sugar and blend flavors evenly.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring the sauce and chops to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the pork reads 145°F (medium doneness).
- Let the chops rest in the skillet for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Tip: Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop to avoid overcooking, and baste with sauce during simmering for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the pork chops to plates, spooning sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the juicy pork and sticky glaze at their best.