Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Pan Sauce | Kenji's Cooking Show

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil reduces saturated fat while maintaining flavor.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be homemade.

fresh thyme

🥗Healthier: dried thyme

💰Cheaper: none

Dried thyme is more accessible and has a longer shelf life.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index.

Season pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Preheat a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.

Add rice bran oil to the skillet, enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

Once the oil is shimmering and lightly smoking, add the pork chops to the skillet.

Sear the pork chops until browned, flipping them a few times for even cooking.

Check the internal temperature of the pork chops, aiming for around 125°F before removing them from the skillet.

In the same skillet, add the ends of shallots, thyme, garlic, and butter to flavor the oil.

Baste the pork chops with the melted butter and aromatics for even browning.

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest while preparing the sauce.

In the skillet, add chopped apples, a splash of apple cider, whole grain mustard, and a bit of lemon juice.

Cook the sauce ingredients until the apples are softened and the sauce is combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens