Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops with Sautéed Onions
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops. This recipe combines thick, juicy center-cut boneless pork chops marinated in a robust mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, resulting in a flavor-packed main dish that your family will adore. Searing the chops creates a delectable crust, locking in the precious juices while yielding perfectly tender meat. The addition of sweet sautéed onions brings an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Serve alongside roasted garlic potato bites and seasonal veggies for a complete meal that’s not just quick, but utterly delicious.
4
Servings
170
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick center cut boneless pork chops
4 (None)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (None)
balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
salt
to taste (None)
pepper
to taste (None)
large onion
1 (thinly sliced)
butter
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 3 hours for maximum flavor.
2
Season the marinated pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a shallow frying pan over medium-high heat until hot, then carefully add the pork chops, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
4
Sear the pork chops without moving them for about 3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chops and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5
Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate, covered with foil to keep warm.
6
In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Serve the pork chops warm, topped with sautéed onions, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
4.25g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops?
This is a flavor-packed main dish featuring thick center-cut boneless pork chops marinated in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, seared to perfection, and topped with sautéed onions.
What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 thick center-cut boneless pork chops for the best results.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
For maximum flavor, marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of a simple but robust mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How do I season the pork chops?
After marinating, season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides before cooking.
What is the recommended cooking method?
The pork chops should be seared in a hot cast-iron skillet or shallow frying pan over medium-high heat.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The pork chops are fully cooked and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How long does it take to sear each side?
Sear the first side for about 3 minutes without moving them to develop a crust, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Should I let the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate covered with foil to keep them warm and juicy.
How do I prepare the sautéed onions?
In the same skillet used for the pork, melt butter and sauté thinly sliced onions for 5-7 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in chops, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories, 10.5g of fat, 4.25g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for achieving a superior golden-brown crust on the meat.
What side dishes pair well with these pork chops?
They are delicious when served alongside roasted garlic potato bites and seasonal vegetables.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe recommends using one large onion, thinly sliced.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and easy recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?
While balsamic provides the signature glaze, you could experiment with apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile will change.
How do I prevent the pork from becoming dry?
Marinating the meat and letting it rest under foil after cooking helps lock in the juices and keep it tender.
Do I need to add more oil to the pan for the onions?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet used for the pork to sauté the onions.
What should I do if my pan is too small?
Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the pork chops in batches to ensure they sear properly rather than steaming.
Is there any sugar added to this recipe?
No extra sugar is added; the sweetness comes naturally from the balsamic vinegar and the caramelized onions.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 4 tablespoons of olive oil for the marinade.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be thinly sliced before being sautéed.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat with occasional stirring.
Can I marinate the pork for longer than 3 hours?
While 3 hours is recommended for maximum flavor, marinating too long in acidic vinegar can eventually change the texture of the meat.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include balsamic glaze, quick dinner, seared pork, and family meal.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is salt and pepper amount specific?
Salt and pepper are added 'to taste' to suit your personal preference.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork dishes.