Pan-Roasted Maple Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta

Maple syrup isn’t just about pancakes and cookies. It also brings a rich depth to savory pan-roasted pork chops—as well as intense sweetness to a sauce tempered by tangy whole-grain mustard and salty soy sauce. It’s about balance. And plain ol’ lip-smacking taste.

Creamy polenta makes a great side dish for the maple chops. I like making it with a combination of milk and chicken broth simply for the creaminess the milk brings and the flavor of the broth. Stir in a little freshly grated Parmesan for even more flavor.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
• 3 tsp whole-grain mustard
• 4 bone-in pork loin chops (about 3/4-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups nonfat milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish

Polenta

Preparation

1. Combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, onion, and mustard in a bowl. Place the pork chops in a baking dish just large enough to hold them side by side.
2. Transfer 1/2 cup of the maple syrup mixture to a small saucepan and pour the remaining over the pork chops. Cover and refrigerate 2-4 hours, turning the chops 2-3 times during marinating.

Maple Mixture 

Loin Chops 

Chops in Marinade 

Marinated Pork Chops

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Warm the reserved maple syrup mixture over low heat. Cover and keep warm.
3. Heat a cast-iron (or other ovenproof) skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, swirling to coat.
4. Remove the chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off. (Discard marinade.) Place in the skillet and sear until beginning to brown on the bottom, 7-8 minutes.
5. Turn and baste lightly with a little of the reserved maple syrup mixture. Season lightly with salt and pepper and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast until tender and just cooked through, 6-7 minutes, depending on thickness.

Chops Beginning to Sear 

After Turning

Ready for the Oven 

Pan-Roasted Pork Chops

1. Meanwhile, bring the milk and broth to a light boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually pour in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 6-7 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.

Polenta Added to Milk Mixture

Cooked Polenta 

Parmesan Polenta

Plate the pork chops and spoon the remaining maple syrup from the skillet on top. Serve polenta alongside, garnished with chopped rosemary. 

Pan-Roasted Maple Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta