These pan-seared brown sugar pork chops, with a sweet and spicy rub, are ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a flavourful weeknight dinner, they pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes.
You'll also love my honey-garlic pork belly, Indian pork curry, sticky Asian pork meatballs, and pork lettuce wraps.
Jump to:
⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Balanced Sweetness and Spice: The combination of brown sugar and spices creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Quick Cooking Time: The pork chops cook in just 8-10 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for a fast weeknight dinner.
- Caramelised Crust: The brown sugar helps achieve a beautifully caramelised crust on the pork chops.
- Versatile Cooking Method: Can be cooked in a skillet, on the grill, or baked in the oven, providing flexibility based on your preferences.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Pork Chops: The main protein; boneless and thick for juiciness and tenderness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelise the crust.
- Chilli Powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavour.
- Dried Oregano: Brings an earthy, aromatic element to the seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds a blend of spices that enhance the overall flavour profile.
- Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavour and rich colour.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savoury, garlicky note.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe step-by-step
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chilli powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub the spice mixture evenly over each chop.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a nice caramelised crust.
- Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
📖 Variations
- Spice Variations: Swap out Cajun seasoning for Italian seasoning for a different flavour profile.
- Cooking Methods: Try grilling or baking the pork chops for a different texture and flavor.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Brining: Brine the pork chops in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure they stay juicy.
- Butter Basting: Add a pat of butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking and baste the pork chops for extra richness.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the pork chops in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as bone-in chops take longer to cook.
Try brining the pork chops before cooking or basting them with butter during cooking to retain moisture.
If you tried this Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!
For more recipe ideas, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and join our exclusive Facebook group.
For meal planning assistance, check out our weekly Aldi-only meal plans, free for subscribers.
Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.
Easy 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, granules
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Mix:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Season the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then rub the spice mixture evenly over each chop.
Heat the Pan:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Cook the Pork Chops:
- Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a nice caramelized crust.
Rest the Pork Chops:
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Resting Time: Allowing the pork chops to rest helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serving Suggestion: These pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetable side dish.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
Ebony
I used thinly sliced center cup pork chops and cooked them on the grill with this rub. They were chef’s kiss! Delicious recipe indeed!
Deborah Rainford
So happy you love this recipe! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Lori
So easy and my family loved it. Kid approved! Love making this for a quick weeknight dinner.
Deborah Rainford
So happy you love this recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Michele
I already had every ingredient and they turned out great!!!
Deborah Rainford
So happy you loved it! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Ellyn
I had to deglaze the pan towards the end so I wouldn’t burn them. But the flavor blend is delicious. Great recipe.
Cayli
Chops burned almost immediately upon placing them in mid-high pan as suggested. Had to quickly scrape the seasoning off and bake in oven instead. Would’ve been much more flavorful if I had done that from the beginning as I lost a lot of seasoning. The seasoning blend is delicious though!
Rosalind Taylor
So easy and absolutely delicious! I served it with fresh garlic, pineapple, carrots, cooked in butter. Then pork cooked in same pan.
Hubby is still saying ‘that was a good pork chop!’
Deborah Rainford
So happy that this recipe was a hit! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Trin
These were delicious! I had 8 smaller chops so I cooked 4 in a cast iron pan and 4 in the air fryer. Both turned out amazing!
Deborah Rainford
So happy you loved this so much! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Kim Mauldin
Can you make this a freezer meal? Do I have to cook first?
Deborah Rainford
You can make the spice rub and add it to a freezer bag with the uncooked pork chops. Defrost and cook as per the directions. Enjoy. 🙂