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I stumbled upon this recipe quite by accident, actually. I was attempting to recreate a dish I had at a small trattoria during a trip to Italy – one of those hole-in-the-wall places where the food just sings. I had some pork chops, a bottle of balsamic vinegar lurking in the pantry, and a bunch of veggies from the farmers market screaming to be used. The result? A flavor explosion that's now a regular in our dinner rotation. Seriously, even my picky eater loves it. Okay, maybe just tolerates, but that's a win in my book! And lets face it, some nights, all we need is a simple and very easy-to-make food to eat.
The magic lies in the balsamic glaze. It's ridiculously easy to make – just balsamic vinegar simmered down to a syrupy sweetness. It adds a depth of flavor to the pork that is just…chef's kiss. The roasted vegetables are the perfect accompaniment, offering a mix of textures and tastes that complement the richness of the pork. Plus, roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the tang of the balsamic beautifully. I usually just use whatever vegetables I happen to have on hand – broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini – anything goes, really! The dish, however, is not very suitable for those who are on a diet.
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Baking Sheet
Large Skillet
Small Saucepan
Tongs
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Pork Chops with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Vegetables: Popular Categories Dinner Ideas Dinner Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Pork Chops with Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Vegetables: Popular Categories Dinner Ideas Dinner Recipe
These pork chops, glazed with a tangy-sweet balsamic reduction and served alongside vibrant roasted vegetables, make a dinner that's both simple and impressive. It's a weeknight win that feels special enough for company.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting the vegetables nice and caramelized. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated, or you could end up with some undercooked veggies!
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop about 1.5 pounds of your favorite vegetables. I usually go for a mix of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers (cut into chunks), and zucchini (halved and sliced). Don't overcrowd the pan, use two baking sheets if needed.
Toss the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated for maximum flavor. I like to use my hands for this – it's just more efficient!
Spread the vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you overcrowd the pan, they'll steam instead of roast. Nobody wants soggy veggies.
Roast the vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Give them a toss halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them – every oven is different!
Prepare the pork chops: While the vegetables are roasting, pat 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
Season the pork chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Don't be shy – seasoning is key!
Sear the pork chops: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. You want a good crust to lock in the juices.
Make the balsamic glaze: While the pork chops are searing, pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrupy glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Be patient – this is where the magic happens!
Glaze the pork chops: Once the pork chops are seared and the balsamic glaze is ready, brush the glaze generously over the pork chops in the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning! I usually put a lid on the pan at this point
Serve: Serve the glazed pork chops immediately with the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. For an extra touch of fanciness, drizzle a little more balsamic glaze over the vegetables. Enjoy, folks! Your in for a treat.
Alternative cooking method: Another good tip is to sear your pork chops, and then put them in the oven to finish cooking in order to give it a more even cook.
📝 Notes
For a sweeter glaze, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic vinegar while reducing.
Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Other great options include Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and onions.
Ensure pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.