Plum Soft Pork Chops

Featured in: Warm Slow-Cozy Home Plates

Experience tender, bone-in pork chops infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of ripe plums and aromatic rosemary. Seared golden, then simmered gently in a luscious balsamic glaze with honey and Dijon mustard, the dish balances fruit-forward sweetness with savory depth. This skillet preparation delivers a warm, satisfying dinner perfect for relaxed evenings, complemented by optional fresh rosemary and sea salt garnish. Variations using peaches or apricots add seasonal charm, making it versatile and inviting.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:11:00 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. | spiceshallows.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 first served this recipe to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a new favorite because of the perfect balance between the savory pork and the sweet plums.

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

Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Bone-in Plum-Soft Pork Chops nestled with sweet plums, bathed in shimmering, thick balsamic sauce. Pin it
Bone-in Plum-Soft Pork Chops nestled with sweet plums, bathed in shimmering, thick balsamic sauce. | spiceshallows.com

This recipe always brings my family together, sharing stories over a warm and flavorful meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

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

A close-up view of tender Plum-Soft Pork Chops alongside vibrant plums, with a savory, glossy glaze. Pin it
A close-up view of tender Plum-Soft Pork Chops alongside vibrant plums, with a savory, glossy glaze. | spiceshallows.com
Product image
Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this satisfying meal that balances fruity sweetness with rich balsamic flavors, perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe Q&A

How do I ensure the pork chops stay tender?

Pat the chops dry and sear them over medium-high heat before simmering gently in the glaze to lock in juices and tenderness.

Can I substitute the plums with other fruits?

Yes, ripe peaches or apricots work well to maintain a fruity sweetness in the glaze and complement the pork.

What is the best way to thicken the balsamic glaze?

Simmer the glaze uncovered for a few minutes at the end to reduce and thicken naturally, enhancing its rich texture.

Which herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic touch, harmonizing beautifully with the pork and plums during cooking and as garnish.

Is it necessary to use bone-in pork chops?

Bone-in chops help retain moisture and add flavor, but boneless can be used if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Plum Soft Pork Chops

Tender pork chops cooked with ripe plums and a flavorful balsamic glaze for comforting meals.

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Overall time
45 minutes
Created by James Fisher


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Style Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet details Without Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Pork

01 4 bone-in pork chops, approximately 7 oz each, about 1 inch thick
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

Directions

Step 01

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

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, then remove and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook plums: Add the sliced plums 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 low-sodium chicken broth until smooth.

Step 06

Combine glaze with fruit: Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools & Equipment

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

Allergy alerts

Review every ingredient for allergens and consult your physician or specialist if you’re unsure.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon). Verify broth and mustard label for gluten and other allergens if sensitive.

Nutritional info (for each serving)

This info is for reference only and isn’t medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 355
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 32 g