20-Minute Cola-Glazed Pork Chops (Print Version)

Tender pork chops glazed in a sweet-savory cola sauce, skillet-cooked in just 20 minutes for easy weeknight meals.

# Components:

→ Pork

01 - 4 boneless pork chops (approximately 2.5 cm thick)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Glaze

04 - 1 cup cola (regular)
05 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free recommended)
07 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
08 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Cooking

10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the cola, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
03 - Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned pork chops. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
04 - Pour the prepared cola glaze mixture over the pork chops in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the contents to simmer gently, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the pork chops once during simmering. The sauce should thicken, and the pork should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
05 - Remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Allow them to rest for approximately 2 minutes before serving. Spoon the thickened cola glaze over the top of each chop.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Creates a gorgeous glaze that caramelizes beautifully
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Works with any side dish from potatoes to vegetables
02 -
  • The glaze thickens quickly in the last few minutes of cooking so watch it carefully
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free when using GF soy sauce
  • The cola tenderizes the pork while adding complex caramel notes
  • Boneless chops cook more quickly and evenly than bone in varieties
03 -
  • For the most flavorful results, choose a cola with real sugar rather than corn syrup when possible. The caramelization happens more naturally and creates deeper flavor notes.
  • Allow your pork chops to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This promotes even cooking from edge to center and helps you achieve the perfect doneness without overdoing the exterior.
  • If you have a few extra minutes, marinating the pork chops in half the glaze for up to an hour before cooking will infuse them with even more flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry before searing to ensure proper browning.
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