Savory Beer-Braised Pork Chops with Apples and Cabbage
This delightful one-dish meal brings together succulent pork chops, fresh cabbage, and tart apples, all simmered in a rich beer sauce. The combination of flavors creates a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a beautifully balanced meal that showcases the best of hearty ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
center-cut pork chops
4 (about 1 1/2 inches thick, seasoned with salt and pepper)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
red onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon (for flavoring)
savoy cabbage
1/2 head (about 1 lb.) (cored and thinly sliced)
tart apples
2 (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
beer or ale
1 cup (for braising)
fresh thyme or dried thyme
2 sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon (for flavoring)
chicken stock
1/2 cup (homemade or low-sodium canned)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3
Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them on one side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chops and brown the other side, another 4-5 minutes.
4
Once browned, transfer the chops to a plate and set aside, letting them rest momentarily.
5
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
7
Add the shredded savoy cabbage and sliced tart apples to the skillet. Season lightly with additional salt, and stir for about a minute to combine.
8
Pour in the beer and chicken stock, followed by the fresh thyme (or dried thyme if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
10
Carefully return the browned pork chops to the skillet, pressing them gently into the vegetable mixture to ensure they are well-buried.
11
Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
12
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
13
To serve, arrange the pork chops on plates and generously spoon the cabbage and apple mixture over the top for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Beer-Braised Pork Chops with Apples and Cabbage?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring succulent pork chops, fresh cabbage, and tart apples simmered in a rich beer-based sauce.
What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for center-cut pork chops that are approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.
How should I season the pork chops before cooking?
Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What type of oil is best for searing the pork?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it can handle the medium-high heat required for searing.
How long do I need to sear each side of the pork chops?
Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust develops.
What type of cabbage is used in this dish?
The recipe specifies using about 1 lb of savoy cabbage, cored and thinly sliced.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples are best to balance the savory flavors; they should be peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
What type of beer should I use for braising?
You can use a standard beer or an ale for the braising liquid.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 sprigs of fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I prepare the red onion?
One small red onion should be thinly sliced and sautéed until soft and translucent.
What is the purpose of adding Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is used to add flavor and depth to the braising sauce.
What temperature should the pork reach to be considered safe?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a complete meal cooked in a single large skillet.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chicken stock, either homemade or low-sodium canned.
When do I return the pork chops to the skillet?
Return the chops to the pan after the beer and cabbage mixture has simmered for about 5 minutes.
How long is the final simmering time?
Once covered, the pork chops and vegetables should simmer together for approximately 15 minutes.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling, coring, and slicing the apples.
What should I do after the pork is seared but before the onions go in?
Transfer the seared chops to a plate and set them aside to rest momentarily.
How should I serve the final dish?
Arrange the chops on plates and spoon the cabbage and apple mixture generously over the top.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe that results in a beautifully balanced meal.
Can I use any type of onion?
While red onion is recommended for its flavor, you could likely substitute yellow or white onion if necessary.
How do I prepare the savoy cabbage?
It should be cored and then thinly sliced.
How do I know when the vegetable oil is hot enough?
The oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the skillet over medium-high heat.
Should the skillet be covered during the braising process?
Yes, cover the skillet during the final 15 minutes of simmering.
What flavor profile does the beer provide?
The beer creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the meat and tart apples.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the seasoning as necessary before serving.
How thick should the apple slices be?
The apples should be cut into 1/2 inch slices.
What kind of chicken stock is recommended?
The recipe suggests using homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock.
Is this a fast-cooking meal?
The total active cooking and simmering time is approximately 35 to 45 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners.