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Hi! Iām Kate, the face behind KateFi.comāa blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Craving a meal thatās satisfyingly sweet, sticky, and loaded with garlic flavor? These Sweet & Sticky Garlic Pork Chops bring takeout-level deliciousness right into your kitchen without the high price tag. With a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and savory garlic, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaserāideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you simply want something better than takeout!
š Why Youāll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy gourmet flavors at a fraction of the cost.
- Takeout-Quality Taste: Sticky, sweet glaze with a garlic punch that rivals restaurant dishes.
- Easy One-Pan Cooking: Minimal prep and cleanup.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or garlic intensity to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep & Leftovers: Tastes even better the next dayāperfect for busy lifestyles.
š Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (about Ā¾-1 inch thick; bone-in or boneless)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Sweet & Sticky Garlic Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup (for a tangy twist)
- Ā½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (dissolved in 1 tbsp water)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~350 kcal |
Protein | ~28 g |
Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
Fat | ~18 g |
Fiber | ~1 g |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Sear the Pork Chops
- Preheat your oven to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C).
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. (They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.)
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ketchup.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water) and stir until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 3: Glaze & Bake
- Once the pork chops are seared, pour the sweet & sticky garlic glaze evenly over them.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145Ā°F (63Ā°C).
- If you prefer a stickier finish, broil for an additional 2 minutesākeep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
- Serve immediately with sides such as steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
š° Cost Breakdown (Estimated for 4 Servings)
Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Pork chops (4) | $4.00 |
Olive oil, salt, pepper | $0.50 |
Honey (3 tbsp) | $0.50 |
Soy sauce (2 tbsp) | $0.30 |
Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) | $0.30 |
Garlic (4 cloves) | $0.40 |
Ketchup (1 tbsp) | $0.20 |
Cornstarch (1 tsp + water) | $0.10 |
Garnish (green onions, sesame seeds) | $0.30 |
Total Estimated Cost | ~$6.40 |
Cost Per Serving | ~$1.60 |
Prices are approximate and may vary by location. Look for store brands and seasonal sales to further reduce costs!
Additional Tips & Variations
Cooking & Storage Tips
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350Ā°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Recipe Variations
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Milder Option: Reduce the amount of Sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Alternate Protein: For a budget-friendly twist, substitute pork chops with bone-in chicken thighs, though cooking times will vary.
Plating & Presentation Tips
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or a simple green salad to balance the rich, sticky flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork chops?
A: Yes, pork tenderloin can be used but note that it cooks faster. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Q: How do I adjust the sweetness and spiciness?
A: For a sweeter dish, add an extra tablespoon of honey. To increase the spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry the seasoned pork chops at 400Ā°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss with the warm glaze.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350Ā°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
For more cooking tips and budget recipes, visit Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.
Related Recipes & Internal Links
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š” Follow KateFi.com on Pinterest for:
- Frugal living hacks
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- Creative side hustle tips
- DIY tricks that save you money
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- Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken ā Sweet, Spicy & Under $5!
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For more budget-friendly cooking inspiration, check out The 50 Grocery Challenge ā Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet & Sticky Garlic Pork Chops deliver takeout-quality flavor right at homeācombining sweet, tangy, and garlicky notes that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy a satisfying, budget-friendly meal thatās perfect for any occasion. Share your tweaks and favorite sides in the comments below!
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