Plum Soft Pork Chops

Featured in: Fresh & Cozy Thyme Dinners

These tender bone-in pork chops are seared until golden and then gently simmered with ripe, juicy plums and fragrant herbs. A luscious balsamic glaze infused with honey and Dijon mustard enriches the skillet, creating a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This fruit-forward dish balances softness and robust flavors, perfect for a comforting meal that brings warmth and depth to any dinner table. Garnish with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt for a delightful finish.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:51:00 GMT
Golden-brown Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening from balsamic glaze, served in a skillet with soft plums. Save Pin
Golden-brown Plum-Soft Pork Chops glistening from balsamic glaze, served in a skillet with soft plums. | frostedthyme.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.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite as the plums add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory pork perfectly.

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.
A close-up shot of tender Plum-Soft Pork Chops, showing juicy plums and rich balsamic sauce. Save Pin
A close-up shot of tender Plum-Soft Pork Chops, showing juicy plums and rich balsamic sauce. | frostedthyme.com

Sharing this dish with family always sparks warm conversations and requests for seconds on cozy nights.

Notes

Try adding a splash of red wine with the glaze for extra depth. Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor.

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.

Skillet of warm Plum-Soft Pork Chops ready to serve with rosemary garnish, ideal for dinners. Save Pin
Skillet of warm Plum-Soft Pork Chops ready to serve with rosemary garnish, ideal for dinners. | frostedthyme.com

This plum-soft pork chops recipe brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness to your dinner table every time.

Questions & Answers

What type of pork chops works best?

Bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick are ideal as they retain moisture and cook evenly in the skillet.

Can I substitute the plums with other fruits?

Yes, peaches or apricots can be used to add a seasonal twist while maintaining the dish’s fruity profile.

How do I achieve the right glaze consistency?

Simmer the balsamic mixture with plums and pork chops uncovered for a few minutes to thicken the sauce nicely.

What side dishes pair well with this entrée?

Creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta complement the rich flavors and soak up the glaze beautifully.

How to ensure pork chops are cooked safely?

Simmer chops until they reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), then let rest briefly before serving.

Can I add other herbs to the dish?

Rosemary is traditional here, but thyme or sage can provide interesting aromatic variations.

Plum Soft Pork Chops

Tender pork chops cooked with ripe plums and herbs, finished with a flavorful balsamic glaze for cozy dinners.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
All-In Time
45 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Pork

01 4 bone-in pork chops (approximately 7 oz each, 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. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook Plums: Add 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 combined.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Serve: Plate pork chops topped with softened 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

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon). Verify broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 355
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 32 g