Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece with these mouthwatering Apple Juice Pork Chops! Imagine tender, golden-brown pork chops bathed in a sweet and savory apple juice reduction that will have your family begging for seconds. This simple yet incredibly delicious recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated – just a few ingredients and some kitchen magic can turn an average meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 200 ml apple juice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour apple juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate additional flavor.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve pork chops with the caramelized onions and apple juice reduction drizzled on top.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents tough, dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the pork chops. This simple step guarantees a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in all the delicious flavors.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of searing, preventing that desirable crispy exterior.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat pork every single time.
- Let It Rest: Always let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Pro Tip: The apple juice reduction is the secret weapon of this recipe. Take your time scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pan – they're packed with incredible flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 367kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 30g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
