Bourbon Blackberry Pork Chops (Print Version)

Tender pan-seared pork topped with a sweet bourbon blackberry glaze for an impressive weeknight dinner.

# Ingredient List:

→ Blackberry Glaze

01 - ½ cup blackberry preserves
02 - ¼ cup water
03 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
08 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
09 - ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pork Chops

10 - 1½ pounds boneless pork chops (about 4 chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick)
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ½ teaspoon paprika
14 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1½ cups fresh blackberries, divided
16 - Fresh thyme for garnish

# How to Make:

01 - Whisk together blackberry preserves, water, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined. Set aside.
02 - Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika in a small bowl. Season both sides of pork chops evenly with the spice mixture.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
04 - Flip chops and cook another 4–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Transfer cooked chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
05 - Add 1 cup fresh blackberries to the same skillet (reserve ½ cup for garnish). Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for 2–3 minutes until berries soften and release their juices.
06 - Pour prepared blackberry glaze into the skillet with softened blackberries. Stir to combine and simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
07 - Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning glaze over them. Simmer 1–2 minutes more until chops are coated and heated through. Plate the pork chops, spoon bourbon blackberry glaze generously over the top, and garnish with reserved fresh blackberries and fresh thyme sprigs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The glaze comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all day reducing it
  • That perfect balance of sweet fruit, earthy bourbon, and savory pork makes every bite exciting
02 -
  • Dry your pork chops thoroughly before seasoning or you will steam instead of sear
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before adding the meat, but do not let the oil smoke
03 -
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the glaze if you like subtle heat
  • Double the glaze recipe and keep the extra in the fridge for quick weeknight meals
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