North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Pan-seared pork chops with a sweet-smoky maple-cinnamon glaze, finished with a hint of apple cider for a nod to Midwestern harvest traditions. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes pairs (1 inch thick) pork chops, maple syrup, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (1 inch thick) pork chops
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside. Add 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Return pork chops to the skillet and coat with glaze. Cook for 1 more minute, turning occasionally, until glaze is glossy and adheres to meat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
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 (1 inch thick) pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
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 North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops 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 North Dakota Maple Glazed Pork Chops?
American grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
