Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Asphalt Molasses Glaze
Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a rich molasses glaze inspired by asphalt’s dark, glossy texture, balanced with a touch of acidity and spice. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, kosher salt, ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 pieces (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves minced garlic
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops generously with 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature.
- Step 3: Remove chops and set aside to rest. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Step 4: Stir the glaze continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy, coating the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the pan and spoon the molasses glaze over them for 1 minute to meld flavor before serving, giving a rich, slightly sweet finish reminiscent of asphalt’s deep sheen.







