Prepare to elevate your dinner game with the most mouthwatering pork chop recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Dry Rubbed Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Compote are not just a meal, they're a culinary experience that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible flavors. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned pork chops with a golden-brown crust, topped with a luscious compote that brings a burst of fruity excitement to every single bite. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner solution!
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt to create the dry rub seasoning.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the dry rub adhere better.
- Generously coat both sides of each pork chop with the dry rub mixture, pressing the spices gently into the meat to ensure good coverage.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- While pork chops are cooking, prepare the apple cranberry compote by combining diced apples, cranberries, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Cook the compote over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits are soft and slightly broken down.
- Once pork chops are cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the pork chops and top each with a generous spoonful of warm apple cranberry compote.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- • Temperature is key! Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness. • Pat the meat dry before applying the dry rub to help the seasonings stick and create a perfect crust. • Use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 145°F internal temperature - this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked pork every time. • Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist. • For extra flavor, try toasting your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing the dry rub to enhance their aromatic qualities. • If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed grill pan or regular non-stick pan will work just fine. • Feel free to adjust the compote's sweetness by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter sauce. • Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 232kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
