Festive Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
A festive and healthy dish perfect for the holidays, featuring lean pork chops glazed with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil or avocado oil
- 5-6 lean pork chops (about 1.5 lbs total, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 0.5 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour (for a lighter coating)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro finely chopped (for fresh garnish)
- 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons natural honey
- 0.5 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour or cornstarch (for thickening, lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
Instructions
- Gently pat your lean pork chops dry. Season both sides generously with sea salt and fresh black pepper. Lightly coat each chop in whole wheat flour (or almond flour) for a thin, crisp crust. Set them aside on a clean plate.
- Heat the light olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops and fresh thyme sprigs into the hot pan. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for juicy results). Remove the cooked chops and thyme from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, natural honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and whole wheat flour (or cornstarch) until smooth. In the same skillet (no need to clean!), reduce the heat to low. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the whisked sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Keep stirring to prevent any lumps.
- Return the rested pork chops to the skillet with the delicious glaze. Toss gently to ensure each chop is beautifully coated. Cook for just one more minute to heat through, then remove from heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright, healthy finish. Serve immediately!
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 304
Total Carbs: 11g
Net Carbs: 10g
Fats: 17g
Protein: 25g
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 304
Total Carbs: 11g
Net Carbs: 10g
Fats: 17g
Protein: 25g
