Perhaps you’re a grill master seeking to accentuate the smokiness of pork ribs, a fan of tender roast pork loin, or you’ve got a succulent pork belly waiting for that finishing touch. If you’re looking at diving into the world of pork sauce recipes, I’ll help you find the perfect homemade sauce for any and all occasions.
These are the best sauces for pork chops you can snatch up. They’ll give you a breath of fresh air from your usual repertoire. So, without further ado, here are 15 recipes that are your ticket to creating memorable spicy pork dishes at home.
Rubs
Classic Grilled Pork Chop Rub
This is one of the easiest pork chop rubs to make on the list, with only 4 ingredients needed – salt, sugar, black pepper, and paprika. This dry rub infuses your chops with the bold flavors of smoky paprika and a splash of heat.
Simply prepare your dry rub, pat your pork chops dry, and dab a bit of oil so that the rub will cling to the meat. Generously salt your chops with the rub and refrigerate for 2-24 hours before grilling, not forgetting to make those handsome crosshatch grill marks.
Grab the recipe for the rub here using this grilled pork chop recipe.
Paprika-free Dry Rub for Pork Chops
There are plenty of pork dry rubs out there that include paprika, so here’s one recipe without it. This sweet and savory rub only has 7 ingredients – brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and dried thyme.
You mix them all together in a bowl to start. Pat dry your pork chops and drizzle with a little olive oil. Rub the dry mix generously and let the pork chop sit in the flavorings for 2 hours or more. When ready, you can sear or grill the chops as you wish.
Get the Best Dry Rub for Pork (without Paprika)
Chinese Pork Chops with Five Spice Powder
Transport your taste buds to the Far East with Chinese five-spice powder. This powder is an excellent flavoring for pork chops with a characteristic licorice-like flavor and sweet and toasty taste from the cinnamon and fennel, giving your pork chops a little Asian zing.
Mix your dry ingredients in a small bowl – salt, pepper, and five-spice powder, then sprinkle on both sides of the pork chops. Rub them into the meat thoroughly with a little oil and marinate it for at least an hour. Then, pan-fry the chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn into a nice auburn.
Use this Chinese Pork chops with five spice powder recipe
Marinades
Grilled BBQ Marinated Pork Chops
For the most lip-smacking pork chops, there’s no sauce quite like the classic BBQ. This tangy, smoky concoction enhances the rich flavors of the meat.
To start, mix your tomato paste, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Marinade the meat and let it sit for at least an hour, then grill for 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also increase the marinade and set aside half to baste the meat while grilling.
Peak at the recipe for Grilled BBQ Marinated Pork Chops
Dijon Mustard and Herb Pork Chop Marinade
A blend of Dijon mustard, herbs de Provence, and a dash of raspberry vinegar creates a burst of flavors that complements the delicate nature of pork loin chops.
The best part? This marinade requires minimal effort and yields the best taste. Simply whisk together the mustard, olive oil, vinegar, herbes de Provence, and water in a small bowl. Marinate the pork chops for 15 minutes or longer. When the pork has soaked up all that lovely flavor, grill for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway to get grill markings on each side.
This is the delicious recipe for Dijon Mustard and Herb Pork Chop Marinade
Korean-Style Marinated Pork Chops
Dabble in a Korean-style marinade if you want a fiery, sweet, savory umami experience. This bold concoction infuses pork chops with a dynamic blend of fermented red chili paste and soy sauce.
The first step is to prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang chili paste.
Then, it’s poured over the pork chops and marinated for 20 minutes or longer (for better flavor). Sear each side for 2-3 mins. There’s also no need to cook it through because we’ll finish this in the oven for 5-10 mins.
The recipe for Korean-style Marinated Pork Chops
Glazes
Apple Cider Pork Chops Glaze
You can pair your succulent pork chops with the fruity elegance of apple cider. The tartness and a splash of sweetness from the cider create a harmonious dance of flavors in the meat. Better yet, the recipe uses an Instant Pot as the most convenient way to cook your chops, carrots, and potatoes.
First, brown the pork chops using the sauté function in your IP, then remove them. Pile on the potatoes, chicken stock, and trivet (or steamer basket for the carrots), then put the carrots and pork chops on top and set the time to 15 mins.
Once done, remove all the contents of the IP. Mash the potatoes separately, then add milk, cream, or broth, or in a pinch, something like au jus. Using a clean instant pot bowl, cook the sauce – apple cider, brown sugar, and stone-ground mustard until it becomes a syrupy glaze. If it needs a bit of help thickening up, use a smidge of cornstarch.
The Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Chops recipe is delicious
Balsamic Reduction Glaze
Wanna add a touch of sophistication to your pork chops? Well, now you can with a balsamic reduction. This luxurious sauce perfectly matches pork loin chops, infusing it with balsamic vinegar‘s deep, intense flavor.
We’ll season our chops with salt and pepper, then pan-sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, we’ll cook the balsamic glaze by sauteing aromatics like garlic and onion for added flavor. We can add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar next and reduce this to a syrup consistency.
The final product we’ll create is a glossy, luscious glaze that’s a fantastic companion for your pork chops. The delicate balance of sweet and salty, with a hint of ginger, brings a touch of exotic flair to your plate.
This Balsamic Pork Chops recipe teaches how to make it
Maple Bourbon Glaze
You can take your pork game one step further with the richness of a maple bourbon sauce. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s bound to impress.
Brine the pork chops in water, salt, and pepper. Then combine the lemon, raspberry jam, brown sugar, minced garlic, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, cayenne, and bourbon, and cook over medium to low heat in a pan until sticky.
Pat dry the pork chops and sear. Then, spoon over the maple bourbon glaze and bake in the oven to infuse it with a complex blend of sweetness and depth. The timeless allure and effortless preparation of this glaze will make it a must-have in your pork sauce repertoire.
Try Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with this recipe
Sauces
Honey Mustard Sauce for Seared Pork Chops
There’s hardly a pork chop lover of any age who will ever turn down a delicious sauce, and this honey mustard sauce is no different. This sauce is an ideal companion for pork loin chops, providing a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.
In a small bowl, prepare the honey mustard mixture using honey, dijon mustard, grainy mustard, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Pat dry your pork chops and season them with salt and pepper. Sear them in a pan for 4 minutes on each side, making sure not to overcook them.
Once done, pour in the sauce and let it boil for 2 minutes to reach that beautiful stick sheen that’s picture-perfect for any evening dinner.
Here’s that Honey Mustard Pork Chops recipe you’ll be needing
Breaded Pork Chops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Sometimes, we crave that touch of indulgence that only fried breaded pork chops can give. The addition of this velvety lemon butter sauce with a burst of tartness is a divine match for these thick-cut pork chops, melting into the meat to create a sumptuous experience.
If you wanna make this recipe, prepare an egg-coating bowl and another bowl for the breadcrumb, cheese, and seasonings. Dip your pork chop into the egg mixture, then dredge them with the breadcrumb mixture and fry until golden. While in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, then add dry white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, cream, shallots, and garlic.
Use this Breaded Pork Chops recipewith your Lemon Butter Sauce
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This luscious concoction is another classic in my book, creating a luxurious experience perfect for a weekday family treat. It’s a one-pan dish where you start by searing pre-seasoned pork chops (with salt, pepper, and paprika). Then, in the same pan, the mushrooms are sauteed until golden and their earthy flavors come out.
Butter and onions are added, and finally, chicken broth, hot sauce, heavy cream, and seasonings. The sauce is then reduced to a gravy-like consistency, with the seared pork chops bathing in the rich sauce.
This Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe should do just the trick
Stews and Thick Sauces
Leftover Grilled Pork Chop Stew
This recipe is excellent for that leftover pork chops from yesterday’s summer Barbie. First, cut the leftover chops and onions into cubes, then put them in the Dutch oven.
Bake it with the remaining ingredients – tomatoes, water, herbs, spicy chili sauce for an hour, then let it sit for another 30 mins. You can use a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, a Dutch oven, or simply a large pot on the stove.
This Pork Chop Stew recipe is just what you want
Tomato-Mango Jalapeno Salsa
Pork chops off the hot grill are delicious, but paring them with a spicy salsa is a surefire way to any meat lover’s heart. Grill your pork chops as you would normally, then prepare the salsa. The salsa will add a tropical kick to your pork dish with its fresh and fiery flavors and burst of sweetness.
Alternatively, you can try the spice rub in this recipe, which combines savory and rich Southwestern flavors that’ll yield the juiciest, most tender grilled pork chops.
Here’s that Pork Chops with Mango Salsa recipe
Spiced Peach Chutney
Give your pork chop a splash of heat with a spicy peach chutney. This vibrant blend of sweetness and heat is a delightful complement to seared pork chops.
To start, cook the chutney by dissolving brown sugar into the apple cider vinegar, then add the ginger, shallot, chili peppers, and finally the peaches. It should turn into a jam in 40-45 minutes. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper, and using the same skillet, sear the pork chops. Some of the bits from the chutney will give your chops a nice char.
The result? An effortless combination of peaches, spices, and a touch of sweetness that’ll give a refreshing twist to your weeknight dinners.
Use this Seared Pork with Spiced Peach Chutney recipe