Mixing sweet and savory is a popular culinary choice that seems to be trending in modern times. There may be no better manifestation of this than a maple pecan pork chop dish. The maple syrup gives the dish sweet, gooey goodness that is the perfect complement for the protein while the nuts add a nutty, buttery flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
If you think maple pecan pork chop is a dish your family will enjoy, read on to find out how you can make it as well as other sweet and savory dishes that will put a smile on their faces.
Maple Pecan Pork Chops
Let’s start by taking a look at our recipe.
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To make these maple pecan pork chops, start with 4 boneless pork loin chops cut ¾” thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Then, cook chops in a skillet with 1 tbsp of butter for 9 to 13 minutes or until juices run clear, flipping once.
Put the chops to the side. Then, in a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp. butter with 2 tbsp. maple syrup. Spread the mixture over the pork chops and allow it to absorb into the meat. Sprinkle with ½ cup chopped and toasted pecans and serve.
Maple Syrup Pork Chops
Because maple syrup is such a great choice when it comes to adding a great sweet taste to pork, it is often incorporated into pork dishes. Here is another pork and maple syrup recipe you can make for your family.
Maple Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops: You will need the following ingredients to make the glaze:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3-4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic smashed
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients should all be mixed together in a bowl. To prepare the pork chops, start by putting the skillet in the oven, which should be preheated to 400 degrees. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Remove skillet from oven and place pork chops inside. Cook 2-3 minutes to sear and brush with glaze. Flip pork chops and repeat. Put the skillet back in the oven and bake about 5-8 minutes or until you can get a thermometer reading of 140 degrees.
Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let sit for 5 minutes. Then serve with a bit of the glaze drizzled over the top.
Pork makes a great base for any meal and the addition of maple syrup gives it a sweet taste your entire family is sure to love. How will you be mixing up these ingredients to make a tasty meal tonight?
Sides to Serve With This Recipe
There are several options that will work well as sides to this dish. Rice will be perfect for absorbing any excess syrup and butter mixture. Sweet potatoes will work in a similar fashion while bringing an added sweetness to the meal. And if you’re going for lighter fare, a salad or veggies will do quite nicely.
In terms of veggies, try to pick options that are nutritionally dense. Corn is popular, but it isn't the most nutritious vegetable that you can serve. Broccoli, green beans, and carrots are all great options. For families with picky eaters, throw some cheese on or make a glaze just for the veggies.
Mac and cheese is always a popular option with the kids. There are many ways to make this cozy side, so pick your favorite! If you have the time for homemade mac and cheese, that's always great. If not, boxed mac and cheese is just fine.
Finally, baby red potatoes can be a great side for any pork chop recipe. They're easy to come by, meaning that you'll be able to acquire them without much hassle. On top of that, they're easy to season. Add some salt and pepper, and you're good to go!
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Maple-Pecan Pork Chops Recipe
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 28 minutes
Description
The maple syrup gives the dish sweet, gooey goodness that is the perfect complement for the protein while the nuts add a nutty, buttery flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, cut 3/4-inch thick (about 1 pound)
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
- 2 tablespoon maple-flavored syrup
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Sprinkle both sides of chops with salt and pepper.
- In a 12-inch skillet cook chops in 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat for 9 to 13 minutes or until juices run clear (160°F) turning once.
- Transfer chops to a serving platter.
- In a small bowl combine the remaining butter and the syrup.
- Spread butter mixture evenly over chops.
- Let stand for 1 minute or until melted.
- Sprinkle with pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 13 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
The image featured at the top of this post is ©boblin/ via Getty Images.