These juicy pork chops with a sweet raspberry glaze are a tasty delight! The mix of tangy raspberries and savory meat creates a burst of flavor that you won’t forget.
I’m always impressed by how simple it is to make dinner feel fancy. Just cook the chops and drizzle that vibrant glaze on top—dinner is ready to show off! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops provide moisture and flavor, but boneless chops work in a pinch. Just check them closely as they tend to cook faster.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are best, but frozen ones can save the day if fresh is out of season. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
Raspberry Jam: I love using raspberry jam for sweetness and thickness in the glaze. If you want to lower sugar, choose a no-sugar-added jam or a different fruit preserve like blackberry or strawberry.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a wonderful tanginess. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is a decent substitute. Just keep an eye on the flavor balance.
Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme brings a lovely aroma. If unavailable, dried thyme works too—just use about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How Can I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork chops just right is key to keeping them juicy and tender. Follow these tips:
- Pat dry: Moisture leads to steaming, not searing. Use paper towels to dry your chops well before seasoning.
- Room temp: Allow pork chops to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly!
- Monitor temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C). This ensures they are safe and perfectly cooked.
- Resting: Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking—this helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
With these tips and substitutions, you’ll have a delicious dish of Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops ready to impress!
How to Make 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 (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the pork chops and making the glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting dry the pork chops with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t skip this step—seasoning adds fantastic flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully lay the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until they are beautifully browned.
3. Cook the Other Side:
Flip the pork chops over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a warm plate to rest.
4. Make the Raspberry Glaze:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add in the raspberries, raspberry jam, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir everything together and break down the raspberries with a spoon as they cook. This creates a wonderful glaze!
5. Simmer the Glaze:
Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often. You want it to thicken slightly and become syrupy. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine Pork Chops and Glaze:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the raspberry glaze over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and ensure the chops are coated in that glorious glaze.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pork chops to serving plates, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh raspberries and sprigs of thyme. This not only looks beautiful but adds extra flavor, too!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops immediately. They go wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine, but be sure to monitor their cooking time carefully, as they typically cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Raspberry Jam?
If you don’t have raspberry jam on hand, you can use any fruit preserve like blackberry or strawberry for a similar effect. For a lower sugar option, consider using a no-sugar-added variety or fruit puree mixed with a bit of honey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops and glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the meat. Add a splash of water or extra glaze while reheating if needed.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Glaze?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or blackberries for a twist on the traditional raspberry glaze. Just ensure they are roughly the same size as raspberries for even cooking.
