Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Name: Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 4 boneless pork chops; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Classic Family Meals

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Pork Chops, and they never fail to impress everyone at the table. The sweet and savory glaze coats the juicy pork, creating a flavor explosion with each bite. I've tried various methods over the years, and I've found that cooking the chops first before glazing them allows them to absorb all that delicious honey and garlic goodness. If you want an easy dish that looks and tastes gourmet, this is it!

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:45:36.057Z

Making Honey Garlic Pork Chops has become a personal favorite in my kitchen. The combination of honey and garlic creates a beautifully balanced sauce that caramelizes perfectly when cooked. In fact, I discovered that allowing the sauce to simmer for just a few minutes before adding the chops enhances the flavors even further, making them irresistible!

One memorable night, I served these pork chops to friends, and they absolutely loved them. I served them with a side of roasted vegetables, and it created a delightful meal that was both comforting and elegant. If you're looking for a truly satisfying recipe, this is it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
Juicy pork chops that are easy to cook
A quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Honey Garlic Pork Chops recipe is the honey garlic sauce, which strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness and savoriness. Honey not only adds a rich sweetness but also helps to caramelize the pork chops, giving them a lovely, glossy finish. If you're low on honey, maple syrup can be a great substitute; it'll impart a different yet delicious depth to the sauce.

Garlic plays a crucial role in this dish, providing a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. Freshly minced garlic is best for this recipe, as it offers a sharper taste compared to pre-minced versions. To avoid burning the garlic while cooking, add it just before glazing the pork, ensuring its aromatic qualities remain intact without becoming bitter.

Cooking Techniques

When cooking the pork chops, it's important to start with a hot skillet and maintain medium-high heat. This way, you achieve a beautiful sear, which locks in moisture and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness while ensuring it's safe to eat. If you're unsure, look for the meat to be a deep golden brown with crispy edges.

After cooking the pork chops, letting them rest for a few minutes is essential. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender bite. If your sauce thickens too much while simmering, simply add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to reach the desired consistency without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Honey Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Pork Chops

4 boneless pork chops
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. Set aside.

Season the Pork Chops

Rub the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the Pork Chops

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Add the Sauce

Once the pork chops are cooked, pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, turning the chops occasionally to coat them in the glaze.

Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the pork chops with the remaining sauce drizzled on top.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the pork chops marinate in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste even more!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to save time, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to a week. This makes weeknight dinners even quicker, as all you need to do is season and cook the pork chops when you're ready to eat.

Leftover pork chops can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of the leftover sauce to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to help retain moisture, ensuring that the pork remains juicy and tender upon serving.

Serving Suggestions

These honey garlic pork chops pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors. For a heartier option, consider serving them over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes that can soak up the delectable sauce. I personally enjoy serving them with a side of roasted broccoli, as its slight bitterness complements the sauce beautifully.

For a touch of freshness, garnish the finished dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also enhance the dish's flavor profile. You can also offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty contrast that brightens the overall taste experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, bone-in pork chops will work too. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer.

→ What can I serve with honey garlic pork chops?

These pork chops pair wonderfully with steamed broccoli, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze cooked pork chops?

Yes, you can freeze cooked pork chops. Just make sure they're cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.