Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and glazed with a sweet and smoky maple sauce inspired by the gentle giant Snorlax. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, maple syrup, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chops and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops continuously for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, pour 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar into the skillet, stirring and scraping up browned bits. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them for 1 minute to warm through before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze?

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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Snorlax-Inspired Maple Glaze?

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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