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3-Ingredient Balsamic Jam Pork Chops

Dec 1, 2018 · 30 Comments

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2 images of pork chops glazed with a jammy balsamic sauce, one in a frying pan, one on a white plate next to a napkin and silverware, all on a wooden table
2 images of pork chops glazed with a jammy balsamic sauce, one in a skillet, one on a white plate next to a napkin and silverware, all on a wooden table

If you’re looking for an easy pork chop recipe, then this 3-Ingredient Balsamic Jam Pork Chops is it. Juicy chops are coated in a reduction of balsamic vinegar and your favorite jam.

Just those 2 fridge staples create a sweet and tangy glaze that makes these chops irresistible. Plus it can be made in under 30 minutes!

This is also gluten-free, Paleo and, if you use naturally sweetened jam, Whole30-friendly!

pan seared pork chops in a skillet getting brushed with a balsamic glaze, all on a wooden table with a blue striped towel next to it

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Why this recipe works

“Agrodolce” = Sweet and sour. A little acid, a little sugar. Classic combination.

Perfectly ripe tomatoes. Margaritas. Bert and Ernie.

One of my favorite concepts in Italian cooking is “agrodolce,” which translates to “bitter-sweet” or “sour-sweet.” Typically, you reduce balsamic vinegar with a little sugar until it’s thick and syrupy (you could stop right there and basically drink up that liquid gold as is, but I digress…) and glaze chicken or pork with it. There’s no need to be fancy about describing the result: it is good. Like, margaritas good.

As much as I love that, I wanted to try something a bit different. Fruit and pork is a surprisingly good combination. So I thought, why not use jam instead of sugar? You’ll still get the sweetness, plus more flavor. And it worked!

What kind of jam to use

I’ve tried this with so many different flavors and they’ve all been great: blueberry, raspberry, mixed berry, apricot, cherry, etc. I’ve stayed away from strawberry because I thought that’d be too sweet but if you want it, go for it. I also can’t wait to try it with orange marmalade.

To keep it Whole30, use a jam that’s sweetened only with fruit. This works well to keep it from getting too sweet, as well. I like Polaner jams, especially this variety pack. And I almost always use St. Dalfour as they taste great and only use fruit. Their blueberry, raspberry, four fruit and orange marmalade flavors are all fantastic.

And yes, fruit-sweetened jam is Whole30-compliant.

jammy balsamic pork chops on a white plate, next to a blue napkin and silverware, all on a wooden table

What you need

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons jam of your choice (fruit-sweetened for Whole30)
  • ½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided, plus more if necessary
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1″ thick see notes below
  • 2 tablespons ghee (for Whole30) or grass-fed butter

Equipment:

  • a small saucepan
  • a measuring glass
  • measuring spoons
  • a cutting board
  • a whisk or spoon
  • cooking tongs
  • a silicone brush
  • paper towels
  • a plate

How to make balsamic pork chops

Step 1: Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer until reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 10-12 minutes. If you reduce it too long, add enough regular balsamic vinegar to equal 3 tablespoons total.

Step 2: Once the vinegar has reduced, take it off the heat and add the jam, the 1/2 tsp. salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until blended. There might be lumps of fruit depending on how chunky your jam is, and that’s okay.

Step 3: While the vinegar is reducing, pat your chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Aim for about 1/8 tsp. salt per chop per side.

Step 4: Heat your cooking fat over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering and quickly runs around the pan when you swirl it, add the chops. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Flip the chops and cook for 5 more minutes. They’ll only have a little color on them – the sauce will definitely add a lot more.

Step 6: Use a spoon or silicone brush to evenly smear roughly half the vinegar mixture over the chops, approximately 2 teaspoons per chop (no need to measure, just get to glazin’). Flip the chops and cook for one minute to set the glaze while you brush the vinegar mixture on the second side of the chops.

Step 7: Flip the chops again and cook for one minute to set the glaze on the second side.

Step 8: Remove the chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes (the vinegar mixture will be very, very hot from the sugars in the jam).

Step 9: If there’s any remaining vinegar mixture left, you can brush that over the chops. If there’s enough buttery, jammy juices left in the skillet, brush or pour over the chops. 

what to serve with your chops

Throw a tray of roasted green beans and Brussels sprouts in the oven before you start the sauce, or maybe a pan of paleo cornbread.

Maybe quickly toss together this kale salad with granola croutons.

Some roasted or mashed parsnips would also be perfect here.

Or get this braised red cabbage started before starting the chops

While you shellack the chops with this sticky glaze, you can bask in the glow of getting dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

How to store the pork chops

If by chance you have any leftover balsamic jam pork chops, when they’re cold you can slice them up and serve over salad or just eat them straight up. If you’re alone, just pick them up by the bone and go to town. I won’t judge.

To freeze, once they’re cool enough to handle, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. I happen to love these cold but you could also gently warm them in the microwave. But be careful, the sugars in the jam can get hot quickly.

Other recipes you might like:

  1. Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce (Paleo, Whole30)
  2. Paleo Mushroom Pork Chops (Whole30)
  3. Oven BBQ Pork Chops (Paleo, Whole30)
  4. Creamy Mustard Pork Chops (Paleo, Whole30)
jammy balsamic pork chops on a white plate, next to a blue napkin and silverware, all on a wooden table

3-Ingredient Balsamic Jam Pork Chops

Don Baiocchi
These Balsamic Jam Pork Chops are an easy weeknight dinner recipe! A sweet and sour glaze turns juicy pork chops into something special, and it can be done in under 30 minutes.
4.82 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons jam of your choice (fruit-sweetened for Whole30)
  • ½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided plus more if necessary
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1" thick see notes below
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (for Whole30) or grass-fed butter

Instructions
 

  • Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer until reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 10-12 minutes. If you reduce it too long, add enough regular balsamic vinegar to equal 3 tablespoons total.
  • Once the vinegar has reduced, take it off the heat and add the jam, the 1/2 tsp. salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until blended. There might be lumps of fruit depending on how chunky your jam is, and that's okay.
  • While the vinegar is reducing, pat your chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Aim for about 1/8 tsp. salt per chop per side.
  • Heat your cooking fat over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering and quickly runs around the pan when you swirl it, add the chops. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Flip the chops and cook for 5 more minutes. They’ll only have a little color on them – the sauce will definitely add a lot more.
  • Use a spoon or silicone brush to evenly smear roughly half the vinegar mixture over the chops, approximately 2 teaspoons per chop (no need to measure, just get to glazin’). Flip the chops and cook for one minute to set the glaze while you brush the vinegar mixture on the second side of the chops.
  • Flip the chops again and cook for one minute to set the glaze on the second side.
  • Remove the chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes (the vinegar mixture will be very, very hot from the sugars in the jam).
  • If there's any remaining vinegar mixture left, you can brush that over the chops. If there's enough buttery, jammy juices left in the skillet, brush or pour over the chops. 

Notes

If you use chops slightly less than 1″ thick, reduce cooking time on each side by 1 minute, so you initially cook each side 4 minutes before you start the glazing process. If you use 1.5″ thick chops, increase the cooking time on each side by 1 minute, cooking each side for 6 minutes before you start the glazing process.
These are best eaten when made. You could make them ahead of time or even freeze them once they’ve cooled down (wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months). Reheat them quickly in the microwave or a very low oven, but you risk making the pork tough. Keep in mind the sugars in the jam will be hot if you warm the chops up too much.
Warm or cold, you could slice the meet off the bone and use it on a salad.
I will say, however, if by some chance you have leftovers, these are addictive eaten cold. And maybe picked up by the bone and eaten like a caveman. Or so I’ve heard.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 29gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 303mgPotassium: 680mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baked pork chops, paleo pork chops, whole30 pork chops
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Luchia says

    October 18, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe using Strawberry Jam . I did use sugar free Jam.. (sugar free is the only type we use in the house. I figured balsamic and strawberry pair well together so threw caution to the wind and gave it a try! The balsamic cuts the sweetness in a wonderful way! My family enjoyed it and will make it again . I think i will try apple next time. Thank you for a simple ,time saving, and yummy recipe to add to meal time

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      October 19, 2021 at 6:52 am

      Yay! So glad you liked it and that the strawberry jam worked well! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Megan Stevens says

    January 20, 2020 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    Delicious! And I love how fast these are to make, with so few ingredients! Win for an easy yum dinner!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
      • Lydia Bell says

        August 18, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        5 stars
        Made my reduction using a few homemade jams and jellies. Bacon Jam, Hot Pepper Jelly and fresh plum preserves!! So delish!

        Reply
        • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

          August 18, 2020 at 5:02 pm

          Wow, that combination sounds amazing! The bacon jam alone is making me jealous. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

          Reply
  3. jen says

    January 20, 2020 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    agrodulce! I learned a new (to me) name for an old flavor profile I’ve loved for evvvvaaar. These pork chops look so satisfying and you’ve inspired me to make pork chops for the first time (yess… I know, and not kidding, and don’t know why have avoided).

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      No, I totally get it. There are some things that I’m sure people make all the time that I still haven’t attempted. It just happens.

      Reply
  4. Jenni LeBaron says

    January 19, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    I have forever been on the fence about pork chops, but you have me sold with this awesome looking glaze! Can’t wait to try these for a delicious weeknight meal!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Yes, go for it! Give in to the pork chop love 😉

      Reply
  5. Stacey Crawford says

    January 19, 2020 at 10:55 am

    5 stars
    So simple to prepare and that glaze was so good! I used mixed berry jam and it was a hit!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Awesome! So glad to hear it!

      Reply
  6. Heather H says

    January 18, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    Sign me up! That’s the most gorgeous pork chop i’ve ever seen!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Aw, shucks. Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Sunrita | Spiceitupp says

    January 18, 2020 at 4:35 am

    5 stars
    Just what I have been looking for. Love the sour sweet combination. Perfect paring with pork.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      I love that combo, too. It works so well here 🙂

      Reply
  8. Annemarie says

    January 17, 2020 at 6:55 am

    5 stars
    I love the savory/sweet combo in these pork chops. Such a delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Yeah, it works so well!

      Reply
  9. ChihYu says

    January 16, 2020 at 11:19 am

    5 stars
    You had me at balsamic jam! The delicious glaze will go so well with the juicy pork chops!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Exactly 🙂

      Reply
  10. Raia Todd says

    January 16, 2020 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    Mmmm… I’m drooling. Gotta go get myself some pork chops so I can make these!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      I agree 🙂

      Reply
  11. Erin says

    January 14, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    Talk about an easy, unique dinner! Putting it on my meal plan for this week!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  12. Jean Choi says

    January 14, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    I LOOOOVE pork chops sweetened with fruit and this looks fantastic! Love that it’s Whole30 too!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 20, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Right? It’s such a good combo. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Meredith says

    January 14, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    My dad used to make a very similar recipe – I can’t wait to try your W30 version!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 14, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      So cool! I hope mine is at least close to his. 😉

      Reply
  14. Joni Gomes says

    January 14, 2020 at 11:05 am

    5 stars
    This dish used to be my JAM during my college days! Love your version, so good, will make again!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 14, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Oh, cool! I’d never seen it before I made it myself. Glad you liked it!

      Reply
4.82 from 16 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

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