Pork chops cooked with apple cider are such a tasty treat! The cider adds a sweet touch that makes the meat extra juicy and flavorful.
I love serving these chops with some simple mashed potatoes. It’s so comforting, and the combination makes dinner feel a little special—even on a weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops work fine too, but keep an eye on cooking times as they might cook faster.
Apple Cider: Use unfiltered apple cider for a richer flavor. If you can’t find it, regular apple juice can substitute, but it may be sweeter. To balance the sweetness, consider adding a splash of vinegar.
Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia are a good choice here, as they caramelize nicely. If you want a slightly sharper taste, yellow onions are perfect too.
Apples: While I recommend Gala or Fuji for their sweetness, Granny Smith apples can replace them if you prefer a tart flavor. Mixing apples can also give a more complex taste!
Butter: If you’re out of unsalted butter, use olive oil or even vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is an important step that can truly elevate this dish. It takes time, but it’s worth it! Here’s how to do it right:
- After searing the pork chops, reduce the heat to medium. This allows the onions to cook without burning.
- Add sliced onions and sauté while stirring frequently. You want them soft and golden brown, which takes about 6-8 minutes.
- If they stick, add a splash of cider to loosen them up, giving them that sweet cider flavor.
Patience is key! Rushing this step can lead to bitter onions instead of sweet ones.
Pork Chops with Apple Cider
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time seasoning and searing the pork chops, followed by sautéing the onions and apples. The most time-consuming part is allowing the pork to simmer in the apple cider for the perfect texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chops from the pan and place them on a plate to rest.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté them for about 6-8 minutes until they become softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the Apples:
Next, add the thinly sliced apples to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, letting their sweet flavor combine with the onions.
5. Pour in the Cider:
Pour the apple cider into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where all the flavor is hiding!
6. Stir in Thyme and Mustard:
Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the mix. If you’re using Dijon mustard, whisk it into the cider at this point for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Simmer the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and nestle them among the apples and onions. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through (an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
8. Finish the Dish:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops and apples from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the cider sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
9. Add Butter and Serve:
Stir in the butter until it’s melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Pour this tasty sauce over the pork chops. Garnish with more fresh thyme if you’d like and serve immediately.
Enjoy your tender, juicy pork chops drizzled with sweet and tangy apple cider sauce! This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness after about 6-8 minutes of simmering.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice, but it may be sweeter. To balance this, consider adding a splash of vinegar to introduce some acidity into the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It can even taste better as the flavors meld together!