Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled pork chops brushed with a rich bourbon glaze, paired with sweet rum-caramelized onions for a smoky-sweet finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce until sugar dissolves; set aside as glaze.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Grill pork chops for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the bourbon glaze every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While chops grill, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced yellow onions and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp dark rum and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the onions thickly, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and serve the rum-caramelized onions atop the bourbon-glazed pork chops.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Rum-Caramelized Onions?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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