30 Best Sauce Recipes To Pair With Pork Chops

Juicy, versatile, and quick to cook, pork chops are an excellent choice for adding protein to your plate, whether you're prepping a hassle-free weeknight dinner or going all out with a fancy home-cooked feast. They lend themselves well to a variety of cooking methods, such as pan-frying, grilling, braising, and air-frying, and the mild, savory flavor of the meat makes it a fitting accompaniment to a whole host of other ingredients.

One of the most effective ways to transform basic pork chops into a satisfying, flavorful meal is to serve them with a complementary sauce. And, there are countless approaches you can take here. The succulent, perfectly browned chops taste incredible with all kinds of homemade toppings, including bright, herby green sauces, fiery chile-based mixtures, and umami-rich gravies. Sweeter sauces made with fresh fruits also work fantastically with pork's salty profile. Many of these options can be whipped up in mere minutes, and that extra step in your dinner prep is absolutely worth it. Try pairing them with one of these irresistible sauces, and watch ordinary pork chops soar to a whole new level of deliciousness.

1. Carolina BBQ-Style Honey Mustard Sauce

A tangy-sweet honey mustard and classic smoky BBQ sauce are two condiments that pair beautifully with pork, whether you're dipping, drizzling, or glazing. So, why not amalgamate these two favorites into one totally irresistible mashup? This vibrant sauce features the bold tang of yellow mustard, sweetness of honey, and acidity of apple cider vinegar. Worcestershire sauce adds heaps of umami depth, and a medley of warming, aromatic spices builds even more complexity, resulting in a thick, smooth, and flavor-packed mixture that'll add plenty of richness to the meat.

Recipe: Carolina BBQ-Style Honey Mustard Sauce

2. Bourbon-Chile Barbecue Sauce

Another tempting twist on your everyday barbecue sauce is this delightfully spicy bourbon-chile version. It's bold, sticky, and perfectly balanced, offering just the right amount of sweetness, tang, and booziness. Peach preserves bring a distinct hit of fruity flavor, while minced garlic and onion boost the aromatic notes, and fresh Thai red chile injects plenty of fieriness. Enhanced with a good glug of smooth bourbon, this sauce is a richer, more grown-up take on store-bought options that'll work brilliantly as a pre- or post-cooking glaze for grilled or pan-seared chops.

Recipe: Bourbon-Chile Barbecue

3. Gilmore Girls-Inspired Peach Sauce

At first glance, this sunny sauce might seem best suited to sweet brunch plates and decadent desserts, but it's also an incredible addition to a batch of succulent pork chops. Made with convenient canned peach slices, it's sweetened with maple syrup and spiced up with a pinch of cinnamon, while a dash of lemon juice brings brightness. That fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy taste is perfect for cutting through the richness of sometimes-fatty pork chops and helping you build a well-rounded plate.

Recipe: Gilmore Girls-Inspired Peach Sauce

4. Savory Cranberry Sauce

As wonderful as the cranberry-turkey duo is, it's absolutely worth branching out and experimenting with other meat pairings for this vibrant fruit sauce. Pork chops are an excellent candidate, with the tender meat and tart sauce providing a moreish balance of richness and acidity. This chunky homemade sauce calls for both whole fresh cranberries and cranberry juice and is infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and sage. It also gets a savory flavor boost from the addition of chicken stock.

Recipe: Savory Cranberry Sauce

5. Honey Balsamic Glaze

Looking for a light, fresh, Mediterranean-style addition to pork chops? Balsamic glaze is a great pick. Sharp yet sweet, this easy two-ingredient sauce is made by combining balsamic vinegar and honey in a saucepan, and letting everything simmer gently until reduced into a thick, sticky glaze. It works especially well if you're serving the pork chops alongside caramelized roasted veggies or a refreshing side salad, since you can drizzle glaze over these elements of your meal for a cohesive finish.

Recipe: Honey Balsamic Glaze

6. Lemony Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise is a popular addition to fish and eggs, but it's also a surprisingly great fit for pork. The sauce's zesty brightness and luscious, creamy texture will add plenty of moisture and richness to perfectly charred pork chops, turning them into something delightfully indulgent. You'll need just four ingredients to make it, including egg yolks and lemon juice, and any leftovers can be chilled in the fridge for use in other recipes (eggs Benedict, anyone?).

Recipe: Lemony Hollandaise Sauce

7. Creamy Country Gravy

Gravy is always a safe bet for slathering atop meat, and this rich, buttery version will go down a treat with pork chops. It's a simple mixture of butter, flour, and milk, with a good dose of savory depth from onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Once everything has been simmered together on the stovetop, you'll have a smooth, creamy sauce that'll coat the pork chops effortlessly, making every bite more satisfying.

Recipe: Creamy Country Gravy

8. Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy

This plant-based gravy arguably packs just as much flavor as any traditional version, and it makes for an amazing substitute if you're out of chicken broth. Vegan bouillon, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast are the key sources of that signature savory taste here, and there are tangy, herby notes from dried mustard and poultry seasoning, too. Pour this generously over pan-seared pork chops, and it'll keep things perfectly juicy and flavorful. You'd never know it was made without meat-based stock or dairy!

Recipe: Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy

9. Cumin-Herb Sauce

To give pork chops a zesty, herbaceous twist, smother them in this punchy cumin-herb sauce. It comprises a trio of fresh herbs (that's cilantro, dill, and parsley), a generous squeeze of lime juice, and a hit of warmth from the cumin, all blitzed up with honey, water, and canola oil to create a smooth, pourable sauce. This sauce gives plain pork a whole new lease of life, making an exceptional dip for fries, crudites, and fried chicken — make sure to keep hold of any leftovers for later.

Recipe: Cumin-Herb Sauce

10. 5-Ingredient Tonkatsu Sauce

In Japanese cuisine, tonkatsu sauce is the go-to for drizzling over crispy breaded pork cutlets, so it's no surprise it also makes a mighty fine addition to good old baked or pan-fried pork chops. This sticky mixture offers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and umami notes, thanks to ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. There's also the zingy hit of fresh ginger, and an extra boost of acidity from mirin. It's a simple case of whisking everything together, with no simmering required, so it's a wonderfully speedy addition to your pork dinner too.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Tonkatsu Sauce

11. Fresh Chimichurri Sauce

This South American staple is loaded with a moreish blend of refreshing, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Chimichurri sees minced fresh herbs and shallot mixed into a tangy vinaigrette base, and spiced up with fiery crushed red pepper. This yields an incredibly robust, rustic sauce that has no trouble livening up pork chops. For the best results, make sure to let the sauce mixture sit for 20 minutes or so before spooning it atop the cooked meat, so the flavors really get a chance to meld.

Recipe: Fresh Chimichurri Sauce

12. Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade is a creamy, spicy sauce that packs in just about every flavor note imaginable, and somehow this diverse medley of ingredients comes together in a remarkably balanced, crave-worthy way. You've got classic aromatics like green onion and garlic, while the tangy elements include Dijon mustard and lemon juice. There's plenty of warmth too, from horseradish and hot sauce, and even a hint of brininess from capers. Blended with mayo, the sauce is a transformative addition to all kinds of proteins, and mild, savory pork makes an especially great canvas for its unique, complex taste.

Recipe: Remoulade Sauce

13. Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

Another irresistibly creamy option that's pleasingly simple to prep is this five-ingredient yum yum sauce. It features a mayo and ketchup base, which gets a tangy lift from rice vinegar, and a hit of heat from sriracha. A dash of sugar rounds everything out, creating a beautifully balanced sauce that's versatile enough for dunking or drizzling. The subtle sweetness of this crowd-pleasing sauce is great for highlighting pork's rich, salty profile, and its mild acidity will also help to cut through any fattiness.

Recipe: Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

14. At-Home Teriyaki Sauce

Sticky, tangy, and full of umami goodness, teriyaki sauce is equally effective as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for pork chops. You can prep it with simple store cupboard ingredients, mixing everything together over a gentle heat on the stovetop until thickened. There's a balanced base of soy sauce, sugar, and honey, with garlic and ginger adding complexity. This is a fantastic pick if you're crafting an Asian-inspired dish with pork chops, such as a stir fry or rice bowl, and it'll pair beautifully with veggies like broccoli and pak choi, too.

Recipe: At-Home Teriyaki Sauce

15. Sweet And Tangy BBQ Sauce

Of course, we had to include a classic BBQ sauce in this line-up. It's another fitting match for the meaty pork, lending its signature blend of sweet, smoky, and acidic flavors and adding a mouth-watering depth to the chops. This recipe is made with all of the usual suspects, including ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. It yields a generous batch, so you'll have some left over for dunking fries or glazing chicken wings.

Recipe: Sweet And Tangy BBQ Sauce

16. Simple Sofrito

Sofrito is a popular condiment in Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine, where it's used to build deep, layered flavor in an array of dishes. And, it's also a powerful tool for adding excitement to a batch of pork chops. Bursting with aromatic brightness, this sauce is a somewhat chunky blend of onion, garlic, bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro, which get blitzed up together in a food processor. Spoon it over the chops to turn every bite into a flavor party.

Recipe: Simple Sofrito

17. 5-Ingredient Chipotle Mayo

If you're looking for a mix of creaminess and heat, you have to give this chipotle mayo a try. There's no need to chop fresh chile peppers here. Instead, we grab a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to keep things convenient. In fact, the sauce is ready to go in under five minutes. Lime, garlic, and smoked paprika make that creamy base even more tempting. While it might seem more fitting as a spread or dip, it's also rather spectacular smothered atop pork chops.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Chipotle Mayo

18. Easy Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili and pork are a popular combo in Asian cuisine, and for good reason. With pork as a relatively mild, savory base, the warming, contrasting flavor notes of this sticky sauce can shine. This version is made with fiery sambal oelek and red chili flakes, which are mellowed with a generous portion of sugar and the tang of rice vinegar. While this sauce is perfect for drizzling over the meat right before serving, it also works especially well as a glaze, caramelizing gloriously during cooking.

Recipe: Easy Sweet Chili Sauce

19. Smoky Romesco Sauce

In this delightfully elegant, sunny-looking sauce, charred bell peppers and cherry tomatoes inject a delicious dose of sweetness and smokiness. Toasted almonds further boost the caramelized notes while amping up the richness, and roasted garlic adds a mellow, savory depth that ties everything together. Blended until smooth, this vibrant sauce complements the natural richness of pork chops, enhancing the tender meat with its layers of complex, well-rounded flavors. It'll taste great with grilled fish and veggies too, so it's an amazing sauce to have on hand at a summer barbecue.

Recipe: Smoky Romesco Sauce

20. Classic Hoisin Sauce

Prized for its fragrant, sweet, and salty taste, hoisin sauce is a potent Chinese condiment that's sure to make any pork chop dish a standout. This recipe is a carefully crafted blend of Asian pantry staples, including black bean paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. And, we even add prunes into the mix for a hit of fruity sweetness. Try brushing this one over the chops before grilling or broiling them for a glossy, caramelized finish. You can always spoon more on top before serving for good measure.

Recipe: Classic Hoisin Sauce

21. Satay-Style Peanut Sauce

Fans of Southeast Asian cuisine will be familiar with this creamy, nutty favorite. Satay sauce combines the richness of peanut butter with the zesty tang of lime juice, saltiness of soy sauce, and a hint of heat from chili flakes. A touch of honey rounds everything out, and you're left with a flavor-packed, indulgent condiment. It's a quick and easy addition that you can whisk up in just a few minutes; it'll make pork chops feel infinitely more decadent – no cooking required.

Recipe: Satay-Style Peanut Sauce

22. Homemade Sweet And Sour Sauce

As the name would suggest, this classic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, which is exactly what you want when aiming for a well-rounded flavor profile. The mixture of sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and ketchup creates a rich, glossy base here, and a dash of cornstarch makes everything irresistibly thick and silky. Spoon it over pork chops, and it'll cling to the meat in a gloriously sticky coating, ensuring your meal hits all the right notes.

Recipe: Homemade Sweet And Sour Sauce

23. Bang Bang Sauce (Laotian Sour Sauce)

Add some fieriness to your pork chop dinner with this bold, Laotian-style bang bang sauce. It packs a serious punch in the spice department, with Thai chilis delivering their intense heat. The fresh peppers are enhanced by other Southeast Asian favorites like garlic, cilantro, and lime, and the ingredients are pulsed rather than fully blended to preserve a satisfying chunky texture. It'll liven up pork chops to no end, whether you're serving them with noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce (Laotian Sour Sauce)

24. Brandy-Peppercorn Steak Sauce

There's certainly some crossover between classic steak sauces and pork chops, and this brandy peppercorn sauce is a shining example of a topping that works brilliantly with both meats. The sharp hit of warmth from the crushed peppercorns contrasts effortlessly with the creamy, savory base of milk, cream, and beef broth, and a glug of brandy is our secret weapon for adding a touch of sophistication. There's no doubt that this peppery mix-up will take pork chops from basic to restaurant-worthy.

Recipe: Brandy-Peppercorn Steak Sauce

25. Applesauce

Pork and apple go together like peanut butter and jelly. This culinary combo has been enjoyed for centuries, with records of this beloved meat-fruit pairing appearing as early as the 9th century in ancient Roman cookbooks. The fruit's natural sweetness, acidity, and crisp profile make it the ultimate balancer for the rich, salty flavor of the meat. While picking up a jar of premade applesauce will save you time, this from-scratch version will deliver the freshest, fruitiest taste. It's sweet yet sharp, and a little spicy thanks to the addition of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Recipe: Applesauce

26. Copycat A.1. Sauce

Another option that's sure to bring a welcome dose of tangy, savory flavor is this copycat version of the popular A.1. steak sauce. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar create a rich foundation here, while orange juice, brown sugar, and raisins bring a subtle sweetness. Simmered and strained for a smooth finish, it seamlessly coats pork chops and tastes particularly amazing when the meat has developed a nice char, helping to build on that smoky edge.

Recipe: Copycat A.1. Sauce

27. Copycat Jollibee Gravy

Bring a taste of the Philippines to your pork chops with this copycat Jollibee gravy. It's creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, starting with a buttery roux that's enhanced with chicken bouillon, heavy cream, soy sauce, and a dash of black pepper. As the sauce mixture simmers, it takes on a gorgeously silky consistency, and the finished product makes an undeniably comforting addition to pork. Try serving the chops and gravy atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes with some sauteed greens, and you've got a hearty dinner that the whole family will love.

Recipe: Copycat Jollibee Gravy

28. Creamy Horseradish Sauce

For the ultimate invigorating kick, consider dolloping this creamy horseradish sauce atop pork chops. It's made with a rich, velvety base of sour cream and mayo, and that hit of spice comes from prepared horseradish and Dijon mustard. Sherry vinegar and Worcestershire sauce ensure those all-important tangy and savory flavor notes are covered, and the resulting sauce is undeniably lively, but ultra-luxurious too. A little goes a long way with this one, so you can always serve it on the side rather than coating the chops completely.

Recipe: Creamy Horseradish Sauce

29. Spicy Green Hot Sauce

With its vivid green color and the punchy flavor to match, this hot sauce sees sauteed jalapeño peppers and garlic simmered and blended with tangy apple cider vinegar and zesty cilantro. It delivers on heat without sacrificing depth, and boasts a far fresher flavor than any store-bought sauce. A perfect pick for spice lovers, you can add as much or as little of this sauce to the pork chops as desired, and it's versatile enough to pair with just about any carb or veggie sides that take your fancy.

Recipe: Spicy Green Hot Sauce

30. Authentic Mole

Known for its rich, multi-layered taste and thick consistency, mole sauce is a staple of Mexican cuisine. The key to this sauce's complex flavor is, well, a whole lot of ingredients (more than 20). To make it, you'll combine aromatic herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and thyme with a trio of Mexican chiles, caramelized onions, garlic, and dark chocolate for a subtly sweet and deeply savory finish. Try brushing this over cooked pork chops, or giving the meat a quick sear before simmering it directly in the sauce.

Recipe: Authentic Mole

Static Media owns and operates Tasting Table and Mashed.

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