Bone-in Pork Chops with Beer-Brown Sugar Glaze

Serves: 2-4 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Expect a lot of ‘oohs and ahhs’ when serving these Bone-in Pork Chops with Beer-Brown Sugar Glaze! This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, with a beautiful caramelized crust that makes the pork chops both juicy and tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The glaze caramelizes on the pork chops, creating a glossy crust that enhances both texture and flavour. The sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the beer balance out perfectly. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a teaspoon of chili garlic paste for an extra kick!

Key Highlights:

• Caramelized Crust: The brown sugar glaze creates a gorgeous crust.
• Tender and Juicy: The bone-in pork chops stay moist and flavorful.
• Flavourful Sauce: Beer, mustard, and apple cider vinegar give the sauce a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

For more inspiration on how to cook with beer and elevate your dishes, check out our Guide to Cooking with Beer!

Ingredients

• 2 large, thick bone-in pork chops 
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ¾ cup beer
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp grainy mustard
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp butter
• Salt, as needed
• Neutral oil (such as grapeseed or sunflower), as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pork Chops

• Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it's just large enough to fit the pork chops.
• Generously salt the pork chops and rub them with neutral oil. Add a little oil to the hot pan as well.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

• Add the pork chops to the pan and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the chops and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

• Ensure there's enough oil in the pan. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic.
• Sweat them until soft, but not browned.

Step 4: Make the Beer-Brown Sugar Glaze

• Pour the beer into the pan and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Let it reduce by about half.
• Lower the heat and whisk in the brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Allow the glaze to boil for 1 minute.

Step 5: Cook the Pork Chops in the Glaze

• Return the pork chops to the pan. Cook over medium-low heat, turning and basting with the sauce until the pork is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

• Just before serving remove the chops to a warm platter.   
• Turn off the heat and swirl the butter into the pan and slowly melt.  Pour over chops just before serving for a glossy finish.

Tips for Success

How to Choose the Right Beer

When selecting a beer for this recipe, go for a lager or a pale ale. The bitterness of the beer will balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and create a more complex sauce.

Adjusting Spice Level

If you love heat, add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste (sambal oelek) to the glaze for a spicy kick.

For more delicious ways to use beer in your cooking, head back to our Cooking with Beer Guide and explore creative recipes and techniques.

What to Serve with Bone-in Pork Chops

Pair these Beer-Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.  

Looking for more inspiring recipes with pork chops?   Make our Thick-Cut Pork Chops with Buttery Mustard Stuffing & Mushroom Pan Sauce for your next dinner party!