Imagine cutting into a perfectly seared pork chop, its golden-brown crust glistening, topped with a sweet and tangy apple chutney that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece. This American-style recipe promises to elevate your home cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons 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 and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let them rest on a plate tented with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the mixture becomes slightly caramelized.
- Taste the chutney and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate the pork chops and generously spoon the warm apple chutney over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Dry meat = perfect sear: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the pork chops, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Resting is crucial: Allow the pork chops to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to retain their juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herb garnishes like fresh thyme or rosemary to complement the apple chutney.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
