Spiced Apple-Cider Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spiced Apple-Cider Pork Chops are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn. A splash of apple cider and a hint of spice make these chops juicy and flavor-packed, ideal for cozy dinners.

Ingredients for Spiced Apple-Cider Pork Chops

Pork chops are the star of the dish, providing hearty protein. Choose bone-in for added flavor and juiciness. Apple cider brings a natural sweetness and autumn feel, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy balance. Olive oil is used for searing, creating a golden crust. A touch of honey sweetens the sauce, complementing the spices: cinnamon and ginger. If you like a hint of heat, add red pepper flakes. Garlic provides depth, while apple slices offer texture and slight tartness. Finally, salt and black pepper season the chops, with fresh thyme adding a fragrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Patting the pork chops dry is crucial for a good sear — moisture prevents browning.
  • For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional few minutes before serving.
  • Bone-in pork chops are less likely to dry out compared to boneless ones.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp autumn salad would add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. A glass of dry white wine or spiced apple cider would complement the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but be cautious of overcooking as they can dry out more quickly than bone-in chops.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
You can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How can I tell if the pork chops are cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Spiced Apple-Cider Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops, searing them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives you a nice crust.

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and honey, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan's bottom. These bits, known as the fond, are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce.

Add the cinnamon, ginger, and if you're using them, red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Return the pork chops to the skillet and nestle the apple slices around them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooking ensures the chops are tender and infused with all the wonderful flavors.

Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves before serving. The thyme adds a lovely aromatic touch to the dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, great for weeknight dinners.
  • Aromatic spices create a warm, comforting dish.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops,1 cup apple cider,1/4 cup apple cider vinegar,2 tbsp olive oil,1 tbsp honey,1/2 tsp ground cinnamon,1/2 tsp ground ginger,1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional),2 cloves garlic, minced,1 medium apple, thinly sliced,1/2 tsp salt,1/4 tsp black pepper,1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add pork chops and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Pour in apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
8. Return pork chops to the skillet and add apple slices.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pork chops are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

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