Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Rosemary (Juicy and Easy)
These brown sugar pork chops use a simple spice rub and a quick sear-and-oven finish for juicy, flavorful results in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt Note: reduce by half the amount if using fine or table salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 pounds thick-cut pork chops (1-½-inch) bone-in or boneless
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 (220 C) degrees.
- Combine 3 tablespoons light brown sugar1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture on both sides of 4 pounds thick-cut pork chops (1-½-inch), lightly rubbing it in. Let the chops sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
- Heat a heavy oven-proof skillet (cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles instantly. Add the oil and the pork chops. Sear until nicely browned (but not burned) on one side, 3-5 minutes. Turn the pork chops over and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake until the meat is cooked through and feels firm to the touch (140-145 degrees on a meat thermometer), 8-10 minutes. Let the pork chops rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips and serving:
- Use thick-cut (about 1-1/2-inch) pork chops if possible — they'll be juicier.
- Salt: Use kosher salt (this is the brand I use for consistency) It has larger crystals and a less "salty" flavor than regular table salt or fine salt. If you don't have kosher salt, reduce the amount in the recipe by half.
- Instead of fresh rosemary, use fresh thyme or 1-2 teaspoons dried herb blend such as Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning.
- To make a quick pan sauce, add 1/4 cup chicken broth to the hot pan after removing the chops. Scrape up the browned bits, and boil 1-2 minutes.
- Preheat a heavy pan (cast iron if you have it) to get the best sear. You can also grill the chops on an outdoor grill.
- Serve with wilted greens and garlic roasted potatoes for a simple dinner.
Nutrition
Calories: 773kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 98gFat: 35gSodium: 965mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 9g
