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: 4 pork chops; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Favorite Dishes

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Pork Chops because they are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a hint of garlic that elevates the dish. The sticky sauce creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes beautifully while cooking. I've found that marinating the pork chops for even just a short time enhances their flavor significantly. This recipe is incredibly quick, which makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when I need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:13:37.090Z

When I first tried Honey Garlic Pork Chops, I was struck by how simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful dish. My secret is using high-quality honey, which makes the sauce richer and more aromatic. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates the perfect sticky glaze, allowing the pork to sear beautifully on the stovetop.

One memorable evening, I served these chops with perfectly steamed broccoli and fluffy jasmine rice. The colors on the plate were a feast for the eyes, and the embrace of sweet and salty flavors made it a dinner to remember. I highly recommend garnishing with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for an extra touch!

Why You'll Love These Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Savory sweetness that pleases the palate
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Perfectly seared with a mouthwatering glaze

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade is the heart of these Honey Garlic Pork Chops, blending the sweetness of honey with the umami depth of soy sauce. For the best results, opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty. The marinade not only infuses flavor but also helps tenderize the pork chops, making them juicy and delectable. If you're short on time, even a brief marination of 10 minutes will suffice, but allowing them to marinate for up to an hour can elevate the taste profile significantly.

Garlic adds a fragrant note that beautifully complements the sweetness of honey. To maximize its potency, choose fresh garlic over pre-minced options. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic instead, which presents a sweeter, more caramelized taste. Mixing the marinade in advance gives the flavors time to meld, so consider preparing it the night before if you plan to cook these chops quickly the next day.

Cooking Techniques for Juicy Pork Chops

Heat control is crucial in cooking pork chops to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Start with a medium-high heat for searing; this will help create a beautiful crust that locks in moisture. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for even heat distribution and can create a lovely sear. If you find your chops are browning too quickly, don't hesitate to lower the heat slightly; you want them cooked through without burning the outside.

A meat thermometer can be invaluable here; pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don't have one, look for visual cues: the meat should be firm yet springy to the touch, and the juices should run clear. If you have thick chops, they may take a little longer; feel free to cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two at the end of cooking to allow them to finish without over-browning.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Once your Honey Garlic Pork Chops are perfectly cooked, they can be served with a variety of sides. Steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad all pair beautifully with the sticky glaze. A sprinkle of sesame seeds along with the chopped green onions adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. For a complete meal, consider incorporating a side of mashed potatoes to mop up the delicious sauce.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve their tenderness; this method prevents them from drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked pork chops in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the same reheating method for best results.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth workflow.

Ingredients

4 pork chops
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste and enjoy your meal!

Instructions

Prepare your cooking area by gathering all necessary tools and ingredients.

Marinate the Pork Chops

In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Heat the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove pork chops from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Cook the Pork Chops

Place pork chops in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

Add the Remaining Marinade

During the last minute of cooking, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, allowing it to thicken and coat the pork chops.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.

Pro Tips

For an added touch of flavor, try adding a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade for a tangy kick.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to make easy substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile. For those on a gluten-free diet, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which will still deliver that umami hit without the gluten.

You can also customize the flavor by adding spices to the marinade, such as ground black pepper, ginger, or even a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick. To use chicken instead of pork, adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken breasts cook faster. When replacing pork chops with thinner cuts, reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pork chops are dry, it may be due to overcooking or using lean cuts. To retain moisture, look for chops with a little marbling, which will help during cooking. Another trick is to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute—this can help maintain moisture within the meat.

For those who find the glaze too runny, consider thickening it slightly by allowing it to simmer in the skillet for longer after adding the remaining marinade. If the sauce is overly thick, a splash of water can help adjust the consistency back to a desirable coating that clings to the chops.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes, chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted for pork chops using the same cooking method.

→ What can I serve with these pork chops?

They pair well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and marinate the pork chops when ready to cook.