Autumn Apple Cider-Glazed Pork Chops
Experience the essence of fall with these succulent pork chops infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apple cider. Perfectly seared and glazed, this dish highlights the seasonal bounty of apples, making it a delightful centerpiece for any autumn gathering or family dinner. The rich, caramelized glaze complements the juicy pork, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sirloin pork chops
1 1/2 pounds (4 pieces) (trimmed of visible fat, 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
salt
optional (for seasoning)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking (canola oil can be used))
apple cider
1 cup (fresh or sparkling)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (or plain white vinegar)
ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon (add more to taste if desired)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with fresh ground pepper, and add salt if desired.
2
2. In a large nonstick frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the pork chops to the pan, allowing them to brown on both sides, approximately 5 minutes for 1/2-inch thick chops.
3
3. While the chops are cooking, whisk together the apple cider and brown sugar in a bowl. Once the chops are browned, pour the cider mixture into the pan, reducing the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 2 minutes, gently turning the chops to ensure they soak up the flavors.
4
4. Using a fork, remove the pork chops to a plate and keep warm. In the same pan, add the cider vinegar and ground mustard. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5
5. Let the glaze cook until it reduces down to about 1/3 cup, which should take 5 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the mixture is bubbly and thickened to a syrupy consistency.
6
6. Once the glaze is ready, turn off the heat and return the pork chops to the frying pan, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Flip the chops over to fully coat them with the cider glaze.
7
7. Cover the frying pan and let the pork chops sit for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Before serving, check the thickest part of the pork chop to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. Plate and enjoy your delicious cider-glazed pork chops!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
5g
Carbs
9g
Protein
3.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Autumn Apple Cider-Glazed Pork Chops.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apple cider with a caramelized glaze.
What cut of pork is recommended?
Sirloin pork chops that are 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.
How many pieces of pork does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of pork, which is approximately 4 pieces.
How should the pork chops be prepared before cooking?
Pat them dry with paper towels, trim visible fat, and season with fresh ground pepper and optional salt.
What type of oil is used for searing?
2 teaspoons of olive oil, though canola oil can also be used.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
How long should I brown the pork chops?
Approximately 5 minutes for 1/2-inch thick chops to brown on both sides.
What is used to make the initial simmering liquid?
A whisked mixture of 1 cup of apple cider and 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
Can I use different types of apple cider?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or sparkling apple cider.
When do I add the cider mixture to the pan?
Once the chops are browned, pour the mixture in and reduce the heat to low.
How long do the chops simmer in the cider?
Simmer uncovered for about 2 minutes while gently turning the chops.
What do I do after simmering the chops in cider?
Remove the pork chops to a plate and keep them warm.
What ingredients are added to finish the glaze?
2 tablespoons of cider vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard.
Can I substitute the cider vinegar?
Yes, plain white vinegar can be used as a substitute.
How do I handle the browned bits in the pan?
Bring the vinegar mixture to a boil and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
To what volume should the glaze be reduced?
The glaze should reduce down to about 1/3 cup.
How long does the reduction process take?
It typically takes between 5 to 10 minutes.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The mixture will be bubbly and have a thickened, syrupy consistency.
What is the next step once the glaze is thickened?
Turn off the heat and return the pork chops and any juices from the plate back to the pan.
How do I ensure the pork is well-coated?
Flip the chops over in the frying pan to fully cover them with the cider glaze.
Why is the pan covered at the end?
The pan is covered for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in these pork chops?
Each serving provides 9 grams of protein.
What is the sugar content of the recipe?
The recipe contains 3.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
No, the fiber content is listed as null.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
How can I ensure the meat is properly cooked?
Check the thickest part of the pork chop to ensure it reaches your desired doneness before serving.