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Easy Gingered Apple Pork Chops Recipe

This easy gingered apple pork chops recipe brings together tangy apples, warm spices, and tender pork chops for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for fall, this skillet dish is enhanced with a luscious pan sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 bone-in pork chops 1 inch thick, 8–10 ounces each
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated or chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1–2 jalapeños or red Fresno peppers seeded and sliced
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 Honeycrisp apple cored and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 1 cup red grapes
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 450°F so it’s ready for roasting later.
  • Sear the Pork Chops: Warm the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats, season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for 3–5 minutes on each side until both sides are golden brown. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
  • Cook Aromatics and Create Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, smashed garlic, grated ginger, and cumin seeds. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and the cumin seeds release their aroma. Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, scraping the skillet’s bottom to loosen any browned bits. Allow the liquid to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let the flavors meld.
  • Add Pork and Fruits to Skillet: Return the pork chops and their juices to the skillet. Arrange the sliced jalapeños, fresh thyme sprigs, apple slices, and grapes around the pork chops. This creates a flavorful mix for roasting. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 10–15 minutes. Check the pork’s doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat; it should read 135°F.
  • Melt Butter Over Pork: Take the skillet out of the oven once the pork is done. Add the butter to the skillet and swirl it gently until it melts, coating the pork chops and the surrounding ingredients.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. After resting, cut the meat off the bone and slice it into ¼-inch thick pieces. Arrange the pork slices on plates alongside the roasted apples and grapes. Drizzle the pan sauce generously over the top of each serving for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of jalapeños.
  • For a sweeter touch, add a drizzle of honey to the pan sauce before serving.
  • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables.
Keyword Easy Food Recipes, Easy pork chop recipe, Fall skillet recipes, Ginger apple pork chops, One-pan pork chop dinner, Sweet and savory pork ideas
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