Description

Juicy, tender pork chops coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, designed for easy meal prep. This recipe yields five days of delicious, high-protein meals with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 6 bone-in center-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sea salt (kosher salt recommended)
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove pork chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
Place pork chops in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Press the spice rub firmly onto both sides of each chop to form a thick, even crust.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place chops on the sheet or on a wire rack, ensuring they are not crowded.
Bake for 15-18 minutes. Do not open the oven door for the first 10 minutes.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C). If needed, continue baking in 2-minute increments.
Remove chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
Drizzle with apple cider vinegar before serving.

Notes

Patting the chops dry is crucial for browning. Use thick-cut chops (1-inch) to prevent drying out. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after baking. These chops store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop
Calories: 350
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 450
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 15
Protein: 35

Keywords: pork chops, meal prep, brown sugar pork chops, baked pork chops, high protein, gluten-free, easy dinner, weeknight meals