Maple Glazed Smoky Pork Chops
Indulge in the rich flavors of these Maple Glazed Smoky Pork Chops that bring together the hearty taste of smoked pork with the sweet, syrupy goodness of maple. This hearty dish is perfectly seasoned and caramelized, leaving a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes in every bite. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, making it a hit with both adults and children alike. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked pork chops
2 (bone-in, 1/2 inch thick)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Maple syrup
1/4 cup (real or imitation)
Apple juice
1/4 cup (for glaze)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for thickening)
Dried sage
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2
While the oil is heating, season both sides of the smoked pork chops with 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3
Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet and brown them for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and beautifully caramelized.
4
While the pork chops are cooking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of apple juice, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage, and another pinch of 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
5
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes bubbly, about 5 minutes.
6
Once the pork chops are browned, transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates. Generously spoon the warm maple glaze over the top of each pork chop.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of smoky and sweet flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maple Glazed Smoky Pork Chops?
Maple Glazed Smoky Pork Chops are a hearty dish featuring smoked pork caramelized in a skillet and topped with a sweet and savory thickened maple-sage glaze.
What specific cut of pork is recommended?
The recipe calls for two bone-in smoked pork chops, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
How do I prepare the pork chops before cooking?
Season both sides of the smoked pork chops with 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper while your oil heats.
What type of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated in a medium skillet until it shimmers.
How long should the pork chops cook?
The pork chops should be browned for 5 to 8 minutes on each side until they are heated through and beautifully caramelized.
What ingredients are in the maple glaze?
The glaze consists of maple syrup, apple juice, cornstarch, dried sage, and black pepper.
Can I use imitation maple syrup?
Yes, the recipe allows for either real or imitation maple syrup for the glaze.
Why is apple juice used in the glaze?
Apple juice provides a fruity liquid base that complements the smoky flavor of the pork and the sweetness of the maple.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
One teaspoon of cornstarch is used to thicken the glaze as it cooks, ensuring it coats the pork chops perfectly.
How much dried sage is needed?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of ground dried sage to add an earthy flavor to the glaze.
How long does it take to prepare the glaze?
The glaze mixture takes about 5 minutes to thicken and become bubbly over medium heat.
When should I add the glaze to the pork?
Spoon the warm maple glaze over the top of each pork chop once they have been transferred to a serving platter.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as family-friendly and is a hit with both adults and children due to its sweet and savory balance.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
The olive oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the skillet over medium-high heat.
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
While the recipe specifies bone-in, you can use boneless smoked chops, though you should monitor them closely as they may heat through faster.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and savory notes with a rich caramelization.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Do I need to add salt to the pork?
The recipe only mentions black pepper for seasoning, as smoked pork chops often contain enough salt from the curing process.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a medium skillet for the pork and a small saucepan for the maple glaze.
Can I substitute the dried sage?
If you don't have sage, thyme or rosemary could provide a different but pleasant herbal note to the glaze.
Should I cook the glaze and pork at the same time?
Yes, the instructions suggest preparing the glaze while the pork chops are browning in the skillet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for 2 servings, using 2 smoked pork chops.
Is the glaze served hot or cold?
The glaze should be served warm and bubbly directly over the freshly browned pork.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Yes, though fresh herbs are less concentrated, so you may want to triple the amount to roughly 3/4 teaspoon of minced fresh sage.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, perfect for a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe for more than two people?
Absolutely; you can easily double or triple the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate more pork chops.
What should I serve with these pork chops?
They pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
How much black pepper is used in total?
A total of 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper is used: half for seasoning the meat and half for the glaze.
What temperature should I use to cook the glaze?
The glaze should be cooked over medium heat to allow it to thicken without burning the sugars in the syrup.
Does the pork need to be fully cooked?
Since smoked pork chops are typically precooked, the goal of pan-frying is to heat them through and achieve a caramelized exterior.