Bourbon Blackberry Pork Chops (Printable)

Juicy pan-seared pork with tangy bourbon blackberry glaze for a sweet and savory dinner.

# Components:

→ Blackberry Glaze

01 - ½ cup blackberry preserves
02 - ¼ cup water
03 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
08 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
09 - ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

→ Pork Chops

10 - 1 ½ pounds boneless pork chops (about 4 chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick)
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ½ teaspoon paprika
14 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries, divided
16 - Fresh thyme for garnish

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the blackberry preserves, water, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
02 - Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Season both sides of the pork chops evenly with this mixture.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on the first side.
04 - Flip the chops and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
05 - Transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
06 - In the same skillet, add 1 cup of the fresh blackberries (reserve ½ cup for garnish). Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for 2–3 minutes until the berries soften and release their juices.
07 - Pour the prepared blackberry glaze into the skillet with the softened blackberries. Stir to combine and simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
08 - Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning glaze over them. Simmer 1–2 minutes more, just until the chops are coated and heated through.
09 - To serve, plate the pork chops, spoon the bourbon blackberry glaze generously over the top, and garnish with reserved fresh blackberries and sprigs of fresh thyme.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bourbon blackberry glaze strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory that makes people think you have been working on this recipe for years
  • It comes together in about 25 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant menu
02 -
  • Do not skip the step of patting the pork chops dry because any moisture on the surface will prevent proper searing
  • Let the glaze simmer just long enough to warm through and coat the back of a spoon or it will turn into candy
03 -
  • If the glaze seems too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches pouring consistency
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper in the glaze adds a subtle warmth that makes the blackberry flavor really pop
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