Spicy-Sweet Pork Chops with Apple-Ginger Pan Sauce
Ingredients
- 4pork chops (1 inch thick)
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- 2apple (Granny Smith or other tart variety)
- 1 tablespoonfresh ginger
- 2 clovegarlic
- ¼ cupapple cider vinegar
- ½ cupchicken broth
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoonhoney
- 1 tablespoonbutter
Prep
- 01
Mince 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.
- 02
Mince 2 cloves garlic.
- 03
Core and slice 2 apples into thin wedges.
Method
- 01
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- 02
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 03
Add the pork chops and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Transfer to a plate.
- 04
In the same skillet, add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 1 minute.
- 06
Add the chicken broth and red pepper flakes, then return the pork chops to the skillet along with any accumulated juices.
- 07
Nestle the apple slices around the pork, cover, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the apples are just tender.
- 08
Remove from heat and stir in the honey and butter until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more red pepper flakes if desired.
- 09
Serve the pork chops topped with the apple slices and pan sauce.
Spice Tips
For more heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a small pinch of cayenne. For deeper spice complexity, try a teaspoon of smoked paprika stirred into the sauce at the end. If you prefer less heat, reduce the flakes to 1/8 teaspoon or omit entirely for a sweet-savory version.
Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or egg noodles to catch the sauce. The recipe comes together in about 25 minutes start to finish.