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SWEET & TANGY PORK CHOPS WITH BALSAMIC HONEY SAUCE

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SWEET & TANGY PORK CHOPS WITH BALSAMIC HONEY SAUCE

SWEET & TANGY PORK CHOPS WITH BALSAMIC HONEY SAUCE

A deliciously balanced recipe featuring pork chops marinated in a savory brine, grilled and finished with a luscious sweet and tangy balsamic honey sauce. Served best with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh leafy salad.

🥣 Ingredients

  • 4 pork chops (3 cm thick)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • A little oil

Brine:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Sweet & Tangy Sauce:

  • 50 ml balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine
  • Mix brine ingredients until salt and sugar dissolve.
  • Submerge pork chops in brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  1. Make the Sauce
  • In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, crushed garlic, green onion slices, and rosemary sprig.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Strain the sauce to remove solids.
  • Gradually whisk in butter pieces until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Season with salt if needed.
  • Set sauce aside until chops are ready.
  1. Cook the Pork Chops
  • Remove chops from brine, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  • Season with freshly ground black pepper and brush both sides lightly with oil.
  • Heat a grill pan for 5 minutes until very hot.
  • Grill chops for 2 minutes on the first side and 1.5 minutes on the second side.
  1. Finish in Oven with Sauce
  • Remove pan from heat.
  • Quickly brush chops on both sides with the prepared sauce.
  • Place chops back in pan and transfer to a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 3 minutes.
  1. Rest and Serve
  • Remove chops from oven, transfer to a warm plate, and rest for at least 3 minutes.
  • Serve generously drizzled with remaining sweet and tangy sauce.

💡 Tips

  • Brining enhances juiciness and flavor—don’t skip or shorten this step.
  • Pat chops dry to ensure good searing and caramelization.
  • Use a hot grill pan for quick, flavorful crusts.
  • The balsamic honey sauce adds a beautiful glaze and depth of flavor.

📝 Final Thoughts

This sweet and tangy pork chop recipe transforms simple cuts into a gourmet meal. The balanced brine and luscious sauce create juicy, flavorful chops perfect with mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad.