| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 455 | 24g | 6g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 0.7g | 31g | 0.5g |
If there ever was a recipe that spoke to my spirit as a mountain-dwelling culinary sage, it is the West Indian Bay Leaf and Honey Glazed Pork Chops. As someone who appreciates the power of infusing the robust flavors of the outdoors into my dishes, this recipe takes the cake… or in this case, the chop!
Packing a Punch with Flavor
One of the reasons why I am head over heels for this recipe is how it entwines the sweet aroma of the West Indian Bay Leaf with the homely comfort of honey-glazed pork chops. Drawing parallels with the hearty, flavorful game meats I often indulge in, these glazed pork chops will remind you of the warm, comforting meals perfect for mountain living. The way the honey carmelizes beautifully over the spiced pork chops, while the bay leaves intoxicate the air with their exotic aroma, makes this recipe more than a meal—it’s truly an experience.
The Health Kick
But flavor isn’t the only triumph of this dish; its nutrition profile is quite appealing too. Pork is a high-quality source of protein while containing plenty of vitamins and minerals. The honey is a natural sweetener and provides an antioxidant boost. Bay leaves are known for their medicinal qualities including benefits for digestion, cardiovascular health, and respiratory conditions. And let’s not forget about garlic and olive oil, both of which are allies to heart health.
This recipe echoes the robust flavors we commonly see in Southern barbequed pork recipes and, with its tropical twist, it would pair perfectly with a Caribbean-style bean and rice salad. It’s a versatile dish—dress it up for an elegant dinner or serve it as the star attraction at your next family barbecue. I’m telling you, once you try your first West Indian Bay Leaf and Honey Glazed Pork Chop, you’ll never want your pork chops prepared any other way. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large pork chops
- 1 cup of honey
- 6 West Indian bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
Method
Step One
Start off by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. As the oven heats up, pat dry your pork chops with paper towels and season generously with salt and ground black pepper.
Step Two
On a stove top, heat up your frying pan or skillet with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it is hot, sear the pork chops for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear the chops in two batches.
Step Three
Once all the chops are properly seared, remove them from the pan and transfer to a roasting pan or baking dish. Layer the West Indian bay leaves over the pork chops, one for each chop.
Step Four
In the same skillet you used for the pork chops, sauté the minced garlic until they start to turn golden. Be careful to not let it burn. Stir in the honey, lime juice, lime zest and dried thyme over a low heat until everything is well combined.
Step Five
Pour this honey-lime mixture over the pork chops, ensuring everything is evenly covered. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and let it cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the glaze has caramelized.
Step Six
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your West Indian Bay Leaf and Honey Glazed Pork Chops.
