Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus
Tender pork chops coated in a sweet-smoky maple glaze, served alongside perfectly roasted asparagus. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs (1-inch thick) pork chops, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 4 pork chops dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then brush with half the maple glaze.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus to the skillet, drizzle with remaining glaze, and roast for 12-15 minutes until asparagus is tender and chops reach 145°F internal temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus?
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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus?
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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Asparagus?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.