Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seared pork chop, its juicy interior infused with the sweet and tangy essence of apple cider. This Apple Cider Pork Chops recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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. This helps achieve a better sear and golden-brown crust.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, pour apple cider and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor.
- Simmer the apple cider mixture for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and becomes slightly thickened.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning the reduced apple cider sauce over the meat to glaze and reheat.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the pork chops and garnishing with fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the best results, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This step ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy chop.
- Dry and Season Well: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. This simple trick will help you achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and thyme—season generously for maximum flavor!
- Perfect Searing: Heat the olive oil until it's shimmering and just starting to smoke before adding the pork chops. This high heat is crucial for developing that delicious sear.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This guarantees they are cooked perfectly while remaining juicy.
- Make the Sauce Shine: After removing the pork chops, take advantage of the flavorful bits left in the skillet. Scrape them up while simmering the apple cider and Dijon mustard to create a rich sauce that coats the pork beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also adds a fragrant touch that complements the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
