Tangy Kimchi-Maple Glazed Pork Chops

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

Sear pork chops in a sweet-sour glaze of fermented kimchi and maple syrup, balanced with a hint of ginger and garlic. This korean-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork chops, kimchi, maple syrup 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Add 1 cup spicy kimchi and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Spoon 1/4 cup kimchi glaze over each chop and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tangy Kimchi-Maple Glazed Pork Chops take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tangy Kimchi-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 pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Kimchi-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 Tangy Kimchi-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 Tangy Kimchi-Maple Glazed Pork Chops?

Korean quick meals 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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