Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Maple Cider Reduction
This delightful dish features perfectly seared boneless pork chops infused with aromatic herbs and complemented by a rich and tangy maple cider reduction. The sweetness of apple cider combined with the sharpness of cider vinegar creates a beautifully balanced sauce that elevates each bite. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, these pork chops are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete culinary experience.
4
Servings
135
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork chops
4 (1-inch thick)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
Butter
2 tablespoons, divided
Shallots
2 (minced)
Fresh thyme
4 sprigs
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup
Apple cider
1 cup
Chicken stock
1/2 cup
Thyme leaves
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side without moving them to achieve a nice sear.
3
When the chops are well-seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the minced shallots and thyme sprigs. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the shallots soften and become fragrant.
5
Deglaze the pan by adding the cider vinegar. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 3 minutes.
6
Next, add the apple cider and chicken stock, and continue to cook until the mixture reduces by half, thickening into a syrupy consistency.
7
Remove the thyme sprigs and return the pork chops to the pan for an additional 2 minutes; this will help reheat them and infuse flavor.
8
Transfer the pork chops back to the plate, then stir the remaining tablespoon of butter into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
9
Spoon the rich sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
3.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Maple Cider Reduction.
What type of pork chops are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick.
What are the primary seasoning ingredients for the pork?
The pork chops are seasoned with salt and freshly ground pepper.
How much oil is needed for searing?
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is used to heat the skillet.
How long should each side of the pork chop be cooked?
Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them to achieve a nice sear.
What temperature should be used for searing the pork?
Medium-high heat is recommended for the initial searing.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 2 minced shallots and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme.
How much butter is required for the entire recipe?
2 tablespoons of butter are used, divided into two stages.
What liquid is used to deglaze the pan?
The pan is deglazed using 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.
How long should the cider vinegar simmer?
It should simmer and reduce for about 3 minutes.
What two liquids are added after deglazing?
1 cup of apple cider and 1/2 cup of chicken stock are added to the skillet.
To what extent should the apple cider mixture be reduced?
The mixture should reduce by half until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
When should the thyme sprigs be removed?
Remove the thyme sprigs before returning the pork chops to the pan for the final infusion.
How do you incorporate the final tablespoon of butter?
Stir the remaining butter into the sauce after removing the pork chops from the pan for the last time.
What is the suggested garnish?
Fresh thyme leaves are used for garnish before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 135 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 6.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the meal?
The dish provides 11.25g of protein per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3.75g of sugar.
How much fiber does this recipe have?
The recipe contains 0.25g of fiber per serving.
What are the main flavor profiles of the reduction sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, tangy, and sweet, balancing apple cider with cider vinegar.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include pork, pan-seared, cider sauce, maple reduction, herb-infused, easy dinner, comfort food, and main course.
Can this be prepared as a weeknight meal?
Yes, the description states it is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner.
What is the purpose of returning the pork to the pan at the end?
It helps reheat the chops and infuses them with the flavor of the reduction.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol data available?
No, the sodium and cholesterol values are listed as null in the provided data.
What tool is used to cook the pork chops?
A large skillet is used for both searing the meat and preparing the reduction sauce.