Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
In short: Seared bone-in pork chops finished in one pan with sliced apples, onions, thyme and cider, for a sweet and savory dinner in about 40 minutes. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Pork and apples are an old pairing for good reason: the fruit's sweetness and acidity balance the richness of the meat. In this skillet dinner, thick bone-in chops are seared first, then the apples and onions cook in the same pan until golden and soft, picking up the browned bits. A splash of cider and a little butter make a quick sauce. Choose firm apples that hold their shape, such as Braeburn or Granny Smith.
Instructions
- Take the chops out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry and season both sides with 3/4 tsp of the salt and the pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden, then move them to a plate. They are not cooked through yet.
- Add the remaining oil, the onions and the remaining salt. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring, until they start to brown. Add the apples and thyme and cook for 4 minutes more until golden at the edges.
- Pour in the cider and stock and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chops and their juices to the pan, nestling them into the apples. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until a thermometer next to the bone reads 63°C (145°F).
- Move the chops to plates and rest for 3 minutes. Stir the butter and vinegar into the pan sauce, spoon it over the chops and serve.
Tips
- Bone-in chops are more forgiving than boneless. If you use boneless chops, cut the covered cooking time to 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pears can replace the apples. A pinch of ground fennel or a few chopped sage leaves also suits the dish.
Questions and answers
What apples are best for cooking with pork?
Firm, tart-sweet apples such as Granny Smith, Braeburn or Pink Lady hold their shape. Soft apples collapse into the sauce.
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Choose chops at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, cook them to 63°C (145°F) and no further, and rest them for 3 to 5 minutes. A thermometer is the surest guide.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Use unsweetened apple juice instead of hard cider and add 1 tsp extra cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
How long does it take to make Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
