Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Imagine succulent pork chops infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries and the rich sweetness of brown sugar, all harmonized by a splash of balsamic vinegar. This Roasted Cranberry Brown Sugar Pork Chops recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds! With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family or guests with a gourmet dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Dive into this recipe, and discover how easy it is to create a culinary masterpiece that will make any occasion special!
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, creating a nice caramelized exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to create a glaze. Scatter fresh cranberries around the pork chops in the skillet.
- Pour the brown sugar-balsamic mixture over the pork chops and cranberries, ensuring even coating.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. The cranberries will have burst and created a delicious sauce around the pork chops.
Tips
- Bring Pork Chops to Room Temperature: For the best results, take your pork chops out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the pork chops in a hot skillet creates a delicious caramelized crust that locks in flavor and moisture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference. If you like a tangier sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key to this dish, as they burst and create a delightful sauce while roasting. If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen ones, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and safety.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after roasting. This step is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the chops.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh thyme! It adds a pop of color and a fragrant touch that enhances the dish’s appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 199kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
