Description
Pork and apples is one of those combinations that just works, and this skillet version brings them together in a fast, glossy pan sauce. Thick-cut pork chops get seared until golden, then finished in a reduction of apple cider, butter, and a touch of mustard. The glaze is sweet, tangy, and rich all at once, and it takes about five minutes to build in the same pan.
Ingredients
Units
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops 4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and apple slices to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes until the apples begin to soften and color. Add garlic and thyme, stir 30 seconds.
- Pour in the apple cider, vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard. Scrape up any browned bits and bring to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and becomes glossy.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the chops and cook 2 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest the chops 5 minutes before serving, spooning the glaze and apples over the top.
Notes
- Bone-in chops stay juicier during searing because the bone insulates the meat and slows down cooking.
- Use real apple cider, not apple juice — cider has a deeper, more complex flavor that reduces into a better sauce.
- Letting the pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, preventing a dry chop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 590
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 95