Smoked Pork Chops with Maple Glaze

Step 1

Pat the pork chops dry on both sides with paper towels, pressing gently to remove surface moisture so they brown better.

Step 2

Sprinkle 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon pepper evenly on both sides of each pork chop.

Step 3

Pour 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke into a small bowl and stir with a fork until mixed.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 5

Place the pork chops in the hot oil and listen for a loud sizzle; leave them undisturbed for 3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.

Step 6

Flip each pork chop and cook the other side for 3 minutes until it also turns golden brown.

Step 7

Pour the maple syrup mixture around the pork chops, tilting the skillet so the liquid pools at the bottom.

Step 8

Cook for 2 more minutes, spooning the glaze over the pork chops once halfway through, until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the meat.

Step 9

Transfer the pork chops to plates and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.