Description
Maple-glazed pork chops create a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your plate. Roasted butternut squash provides a hearty companion, delivering warmth and richness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Roasted Butternut Squash:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the butternut squash and preparing for the pork chops.
- Cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.
- Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, coating each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Spread seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer, allowing space between pieces to promote crispy edges and even roasting.
- Place squash in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure golden-brown caramelization.
- While squash roasts, season pork chops generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Whisk together maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Brush pork chops with half the prepared glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the sugars to caramelize.
- Transfer seared pork chops to the oven alongside the squash, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove both pork chops and squash from the oven, letting pork rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Drizzle remaining glaze over pork chops and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and optional chopped pecans.
- Serve pork chops alongside the roasted butternut squash, creating a harmonious plate of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.
Notes
- Perfectly balance the sweet maple glaze by adjusting its thickness with a splash of water if it becomes too sticky during cooking.
- Swap pork chops with chicken breasts or tofu for a versatile protein option that maintains the same delicious glazing technique.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches the exact 145°F for juicy, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
- Enhance the roasted squash’s flavor by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat kick that complements the sweet glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg