Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops with Shallots
Elevate your dinner with these Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops, featuring tender, juicy pork chops perfectly pan-seared to golden brown. The rich, tangy balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with the sweet and aromatic shallots, creating a delectable sauce that brings everything together. This quick yet elegant dish is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce for a complete meal.
4
Servings
170
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
pork chops
4
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
shallots
4 large (finely chopped)
chicken broth
1/2 cup
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (crumbled)
butter
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3
Place the pork chops in the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops.
4
Once cooked, remove the chops from the pan and cover them with aluminum foil to keep warm.
5
In the same pan, add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until they start to soften.
6
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits from the pork.
7
Add the crumbled dried thyme and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces slightly and thickens.
8
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
9
To serve, pour the rich balsamic shallot sauce over the pork chops and garnish as desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
8g
Carbs
14.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops with Shallots?
This dish features tender, pan-seared pork chops served with a rich, tangy sauce made from balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and sweet shallots.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
There are 170 calories per serving.
How many servings does this pork chop recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 4 pork chops, olive oil, 4 large shallots, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, and butter.
How long should I cook the pork chops?
Cook the pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
Each serving provides 14.5g of protein.
Is this recipe easy for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe ideal for weeknight meals or special occasions.
What should I serve with balsamic pork chops?
It is recommended to serve these alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
How do I prepare the shallots for this recipe?
You should use 4 large shallots and chop them finely before sautéing.
What type of vinegar is used for the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar for the tangy glaze.
Why should I pat the pork chops dry before cooking?
Patting them dry with a paper towel helps ensure they sear properly and achieve a golden-brown crust.
How do I keep the pork chops warm while making the sauce?
Once cooked, remove the chops from the pan and cover them with aluminum foil.
What is the purpose of adding butter to the sauce at the end?
Stirring in a tablespoon of butter after removing the pan from heat helps create a rich, smooth, and glossy sauce.
How do I release the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan?
Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pan while it simmers.
How long does it take for the sauce to reduce?
After adding the thyme and liquids, cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture reduces and thickens.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of crumbled dried thyme, you can substitute with about 3/4 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
What heat setting should I use to sear the pork?
Use medium-high heat until the olive oil shimmers before adding the pork chops.
How many shallots are required?
The recipe requires 4 large shallots.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates there is no significant fiber content in this dish.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The balsamic vinegar provides some natural sweetness, but the nutritional data does not list added sugar.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even a splash of dry white wine can be used as a substitute for chicken broth.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large frying pan, paper towels, aluminum foil, and a stirring utensil.
How do I prepare the dried thyme?
The recipe suggests crumbling the dried thyme before adding it to the pan to release its flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
Is this a good choice for comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the primary tags associated with this recipe.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the finely chopped shallots for about 1 minute until they start to soften.
Can I use bone-in or boneless pork chops?
The recipe works with both, though you should adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a savory and aromatic flavor with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet finish from the balsamic reduction.