Plum Soft Pork Chops

Featured in: Birch-Warm Oven Dinners

These tender pork chops are cooked skillet-style with juicy ripe plums, aromatic rosemary, and garlic. A tangy balsamic glaze enriched with honey and Dijon mustard enhances the dish’s flavor. Searing the chops locks in moisture, then simmering them gently with fruit and glaze creates a luscious, comforting meal. The combination of sweet plums and savory pork balances perfectly, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt for an inviting touch. Ideal for cozy dinners and adaptable with seasonal stone fruits.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:16:00 GMT
Juicy Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening with a rich balsamic glaze, ready for a comforting dinner. Pin It
Juicy Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening with a rich balsamic glaze, ready for a comforting dinner. | birchoven.com

Tender pork chops simmered with juicy plums and aromatic herbs, finished with a rich balsamic glaze. A fruit-forward, comforting skillet dinner perfect for cozy evenings.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Pork: 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, ~200 g each), 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fruit & Vegetables: 4 ripe plums, pitted and sliced into eighths, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Glaze: ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh rosemary sprigs, Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 34 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork chops and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add red onion. Sauté for 23 minutes until softened. Add garlic and rosemary cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add sliced plums to the skillet. Cook for 23 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth.
Step 6:
Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 7:
Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the plums. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1012 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and plums are very soft.
Step 8:
Uncover and simmer for 23 minutes to thicken the sauce, spooning glaze over chops.
Step 9:
Serve pork chops topped with plums and pan sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.
Golden-seared Plum-Soft Pork Chops nestled with plums in a flavorful balsamic sauce; a visual delight. Pin It
Golden-seared Plum-Soft Pork Chops nestled with plums in a flavorful balsamic sauce; a visual delight. | birchoven.com

These pork chops have become a beloved family dinner during chilly evenings, bringing warmth and comfort to our table.

Notes

Try adding a splash of red wine with the glaze for extra depth.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, Tongs, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Mixing bowl

Allergen Information

Contains mustard (Dijon). Double-check broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Savory Plum-Soft Pork Chops resting in a skillet, showcasing the plums and balsamic glaze's deliciousness. Pin It
Savory Plum-Soft Pork Chops resting in a skillet, showcasing the plums and balsamic glaze's deliciousness. | birchoven.com

Enjoy this easy, flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with comfort sides — a true winner for any weeknight meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I ensure the pork chops stay tender?

Begin by searing the pork chops to lock in juices, then simmer gently with the glaze and plums to keep the meat moist and tender.

Can other fruits be used instead of plums?

Yes, peaches or apricots are excellent seasonal substitutes that provide a similar sweet and tangy complement.

What is the role of balsamic glaze in this dish?

The balsamic glaze adds depth and a rich, sweet-tart finish that enhances the natural flavors of the pork and fruit.

How should I serve this dish for a complete meal?

Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to balance the rich flavors and create a satisfying plate.

Is the dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients listed are gluten-free, but checking labels on broth and mustard is recommended for sensitivities.

Plum Soft Pork Chops

Tender pork chops cooked with ripe plums and a rich balsamic glaze, perfect for comforting meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Modern American

Servings Yielded 4 Total Servings

Dietary Information Free from Dairy, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Pork

01 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, approximately 7 oz each)
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

Fruit & Vegetables

01 4 ripe plums, pitted and sliced into eighths
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Glaze

01 ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 Flaky sea salt

How To Make It

Step 01

Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 02

Sear the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and rosemary; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook the plums: Add the sliced plums to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 05

Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth until combined.

Step 06

Add glaze to skillet: Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet, stirring to incorporate and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 07

Simmer with pork chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the plums. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the plums are very soft.

Step 08

Thicken the sauce: Remove the cover and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce, spooning the glaze over the pork chops.

Step 09

Serve: Plate the pork chops topped with plums and pan sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon). Verify broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 355
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 32 g