Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

ByTiffany McCauley

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These delicious balsamic pork chops are quickly and easily made any day of the week. They are a quick dinner for a busy evening, and let’s face it, we could all use a few more of those “quick and easy” recipes, don’t you think?

The rich flavor from the balsamic glaze gives these a simple yet delicious taste that will pair well with just about any side dish.

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (1)

About The Cut

When I buy my pork chops from the butcher, I ask him to cut the chops into “breakfast cuts or slices”. These are much thinner and cook faster as a result. And as the name insinuates, this cut is good for breakfast in lieu of bacon.

How To Serve Balsamic Pork Chops

These pork chops pair well with any of the following:

  • With a green salad on the side
  • With a baked potato and green beans or roasted asparagus.
  • With various vegetables such as broccoli, potato, sautéd onion, or cauliflower
Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (2)

Recipe Variations

  • You can add a bit of fresh rosemary to the pan. But remove it when it starts to get past being golden brown.
  • You can also try this with fresh thyme
  • Drizzle on a very small amount of honey and add a pat of butter.
  • You can also follow this recipe, but use thin cuts of chicken. Though you may need a small amount of chicken broth if you don’t want to use more oil. Do this over medium heat in a frying pan until the internal temperature is at least 165 F.
Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (3)

About The Ingredients

Pork chops– breakfast cut – about a scant ½ inch thick. Do not use bone-in pork chops for this.

Oil – Any oil will do, but opt for oils that have a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.

Garlic cloves– Minced.

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and black pepper – Sprinkle on to taste.

How To Make Balsamic Pork Chops

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (4)

Gather and measure the ingredients Heat the oil over medium-high heat, then sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Then place the pork chops into the skillet with the garlic.

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (5)

Brown the pork chops on both sides, then add the balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook until the pork chops are done (at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer).

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (6)

Serve with your favorite side dish.

Storaging Balsamic Pork Chops

Pack leftovers in an airtight container and store this in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Balsamic Pork Chops

If wrapped well, this can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Reheating Balsamic Pork Chops

If frozen, that in the fridge for a full 24 hours before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm this in a skillet over low heat, watching it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

You can microwave it, but don’t do it for long or it will turn the meat into rubber.

Recipe Supplies

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (7)
Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (8)
Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (9)

More Healthy Pork Recipes

  • BBQ Rosemary Pork Chops
  • BBQ Orange Pork with Fennel
  • BBQ Fennel Pork

Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe Card

Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (11)

Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe

Delicious pork chops that are quick and easy to make.

4.84 from 6 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 407kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet

  • 1 Spatula (or tongs)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork chops (breakfast cut – about a scant ½ inch thick)
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 6 medium garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Gather and measure the ingredients Heat the oil over medium-high heat, then sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Then place the pork chops into the skillet with the garlic.

    Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (12)
  • Brown the pork chops on both sides, then add the balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook until the pork chops are done (at least 165 F.).

    Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (13)
  • Serve with your favorite side dish.

    Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (14)

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5the recipe | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 891mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted on 1/8/13.

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Clean Eating Weeknight Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest pork to eat? ›

If you're looking for the healthiest pork options, you want lean cuts -- tenderloin, loin chops and sirloin roast. Bacon and other fatty cuts are very high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol and not for everyday eating.

Are pork chops healthy for weight loss? ›

Pork chops are an easy-to-cook lean red meat. They offer important nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron that support everyday body functions and can be helpful in losing weight. Because pork chops are considered red meat, you should be mindful of how frequently you eat them.

Are pork chops healthier than chicken? ›

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn't contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second. But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference.

Why is pork the unhealthiest meat? ›

Pork contains high amounts of saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid. These fats can demonstrably worsen the effects of alcohol abuse and cause fatty liver disease. It can worsen liver health and lead to cirrhosis. The exact way pork affects the liver is still unclear and requires more research.

Why is pork the most unhealthy meat? ›

While pork is rich in several important vitamins and nutrients, it can also be high in sodium and saturated fats, two things that should be avoided as part of a healthy diet.

What is the most unhealthy meat to eat? ›

try to limit processed meat products such as sausages, salami, pâté and beefburgers, because these are generally high in fat – they are often high in salt, too.

Why do Muslims not eat pork? ›

In Abrahamic religions, eating pig flesh is clearly forbidden by Jewish (kashrut), Islamic (halal) and Adventist (kosher animals) dietary laws. The pig is considered an unclean animal as food in Judaism and Islam, and parts of Christianity.

Why do you put apple cider vinegar on pork? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a beautiful and tasty touch of acidity to the glaze that brightens up the apple glazed pork chops.

Why do people put vinegar on pork? ›

Vinegar can tenderize meat by breaking down its connective tissues and proteins, making it more tender and easier to chew. Additionally, vinegar can add flavor to the meat, especially when used as part of a marinade or sauce.

Why do you soak pork in vinegar? ›

As the meat soaks, the acidity of the vinegar will re-develop the flavor and tenderize it. The result is a more balanced, tender wild pork cut that'll improve your dining experience by leaps and bounds!

What is the healthiest meat for humans? ›

Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat

An excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, skinless turkey, is one of the best lean proteins to add to your meals. The nutrients found in skinless turkey meat can help support heart health, energy levels, brain function, digestion, and other bodily processes.

Is baked pork chops healthier than fried? ›

Both baking and frying can result in delicious pork chops, but they offer different textures. Baking tends to be a healthier option as it requires less oil, while frying can give a crispy exterior.

Which is healthier steak or pork chops? ›

Sirloin might have less fat, but overall, pork chops have more nutrients. For example, there's 30 percent more selenium in pork chops compared to sirloin steak. However, this isn't the case for every essential vitamin and mineral.

What is the best quality pork meat? ›

Heritage berkshire Pork is the world's Best!

Berkshire Pork is coveted for its tender bite, its flavor, and its succulent fats and juices, and is featured in some of the finest restaurants around the world.

Is there any pork that is good for you? ›

People pick pork for a number of reasons and, increasingly, for the health benefits it provides. Pork cuts, such as trimmed pork fillet and pork loin medallions, are low in saturated fat.

How to buy the healthiest pork? ›

When buying pork, look for cuts with a relatively small amount of fat over the outside and with meat that is firm and a grayish pink color. For best flavor and tenderness, meat should have a small amount of marbling. Select pork just before checking out at the supermarket register.

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