Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Pork Chops with Apple and Onion! Imagine tender, perfectly seared pork chops nestled alongside caramelized apples and sweet onions, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. This classic American dish is not just a meal, it's a journey through rustic, home-style cooking that promises to impress your family and wow your dinner guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme leaves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Place pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to rest and retain heat.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent.
- Add sliced apples to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Sprinkle remaining thyme over the apple and onion mixture, stirring gently to combine flavors.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions to reheat briefly.
- Serve immediately, spooning the apple and onion mixture over the pork chops.
Tips
- • Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. • Pat the meat dry before seasoning to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 145°F is the sweet spot for juicy, safe-to-eat pork. • Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper browning. • Let the pork chops rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent. • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramelization and flavor balance. • Use fresh thyme if possible, as it adds a more vibrant, aromatic touch to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
