These juicy pork chops with a sweet and tangy raspberry glaze are a real treat! The bright color and fun flavor make dinner feel special without much fuss.
Cooking these chops is a breeze! I love how the raspberry sauce makes everything look fancy. Plus, they pair well with rice or a fresh salad—talk about a win-win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless loin chops work too but might cook faster, so watch the time!
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries work wonderfully, but you can easily substitute with frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess water before using.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives a nice tangy depth. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar can be a good substitute, although it will slightly alter the flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you only have dried thyme, use about 1/3 of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy pork chops is in both the searing and resting techniques. Start by heating the oil until it shimmers before adding the chops; this gives a nice crust. After searing, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in those delicious juices.
- Pat the chops dry well; this helps them brown nicely.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough to sear the chops—it should sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 145°F is perfect for pork!
- Rest the chops after cooking for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.
Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: roasted potato wedges or your choice of sides
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick way to bring some excitement to your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to add flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and nearly cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of about 140°F). Once done, remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
3. Make the Raspberry Glaze:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the raspberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. The glaze should thicken and become glossy. If you’d like, you can mash some of the raspberries with the back of a spoon for added texture.
4. Glaze the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, and spoon the raspberry glaze over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, turning the chops once to ensure they’re evenly glazed and heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Serve:
Carefully transfer the glazed pork chops to plates and drizzle any extra glaze from the pan on top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra raspberries if you like. Serve alongside roasted potato wedges or your favorite sides to complete the meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes! Boneless pork chops can be used, but be aware they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they’re done.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Raspberries?
No worries! You can use frozen raspberries instead. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding to the glaze. The flavor will still be great!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the raspberry glaze in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before using it on the pork chops to refresh the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying them out!