Plum Soft Pork Chops

Featured in: Lemon-&-Herb Home Dinners

Experience tender pork chops gently simmered alongside juicy plums and aromatic herbs, all brought together with a luscious balsamic glaze. This dish balances the sweetness of fruit with savory spices, creating a comforting skillet meal perfect for cozy evenings. The pork is seared for a golden crust, then slow-cooked to retain moisture while infusing flavors. Garnished with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt, it offers layers of taste and aroma that delight the senses.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:37:00 GMT
Golden-brown Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening atop sweet plums and rich balsamic glaze, ready to eat. Save on Pinterest
Golden-brown Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening atop sweet plums and rich balsamic glaze, ready to eat. | lemoncairn.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.

I have always enjoyed how the sweet plums pair perfectly with the savory pork, creating a memorable dish for family dinners.

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 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork chops and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and rosemary cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add sliced plums to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 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 10–12 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and plums are very soft.
Step 8:
Uncover and simmer for 2–3 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.
Juicy Plum-Soft Pork Chops served with vibrant plums and a flavorful, reduced balsamic sauce. Save on Pinterest
Juicy Plum-Soft Pork Chops served with vibrant plums and a flavorful, reduced balsamic sauce. | lemoncairn.com

This dish always brings my family together, especially on chilly evenings when hearty meals are most appreciated.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 355 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 32 g per serving

Warm skillet showcasing Plum-Soft Pork Chops enveloped in tender plums and honey-balsamic goodness. Save on Pinterest
Warm skillet showcasing Plum-Soft Pork Chops enveloped in tender plums and honey-balsamic goodness. | lemoncairn.com

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a special meal in under an hour, sure to impress guests and family alike.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of pork works best for this dish?

Bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick are ideal for retaining juiciness and absorbing flavors evenly during cooking.

Can I substitute other fruits for plums?

Yes, peaches or apricots can be used for a seasonal twist, offering similar sweetness and texture.

How do I ensure the pork is tender and moist?

Sear the chops well to develop a crust, then simmer gently in the glaze until cooked through but still juicy.

What does the balsamic glaze add to the dish?

The balsamic glaze contributes a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the savory pork and fruit beautifully.

What sides pair well with this skillet meal?

Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta balance the dish, soaking up the flavorful pan sauce perfectly.

Plum Soft Pork Chops

Tender pork chops cooked with ripe plums and a balsamic glaze for a cozy skillet dinner.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details Milk-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

Pork

01 4 bone-in pork chops, approx. 7 oz each, about 1 inch thick
02 1 tsp kosher salt
03 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 1 tbsp 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 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Glaze

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

Garnish

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 Flaky sea salt

How to Make It

Step 01

Season pork chops: Pat pork chops dry and season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Add sliced red onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and rosemary, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook plums: Add plum slices to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine glaze with skillet: Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 07

Simmer pork and plums: Nestle pork chops among the plums in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until pork reaches 145°F internally and plums are very soft.

Step 08

Thicken sauce: Uncover skillet and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the glaze, spooning sauce over the pork chops.

Step 09

Serve: Plate pork chops topped with softened plums and pan sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt, if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon).
  • Verify broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 355
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 32 g