Description
Juicy, thick-cut pork chops seared in a cast iron skillet and finished with a sticky, sweet-tangy apple cider glaze. This easy 30-minute weeknight meal is foolproof, flavorful, and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, 1.5 kg)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons high-smoke point oil (e.g., avocado oil or refined coconut oil)
- 1 cup apple cider (real, unpasteurized preferred)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature while prepping other ingredients.
- Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until it shimmers and barely starts to smoke.
- Sear pork chops in the hot pan for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour off excess oil, leaving about a tablespoon. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to the pan. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Add Dijon mustard. Simmer the mixture vigorously for 8-10 minutes until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return pork chops to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Spoon glaze over the chops and simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm through and absorb flavor.
- Plate the chops immediately and drizzle with extra glaze. Serve hot.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear. Patting the meat dry is crucial for browning. Ensure the cider reduces properly to create a thick glaze. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F internal temperature. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil or ghee.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with gla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 35
Keywords: pork chops, cast iron skillet, apple cider glaze, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, 30 minute meals, seared pork, comfort food