Apples and caramelized onions pair beautifully with pork. In this recipe the contrast of sweet fruit and savory pork is brightened by a warm, mellow spice blend—brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of ground coriander—finished with a simple apple cider pan sauce.
The flavors are unmistakably autumnal, yet the technique is straightforward. From start to finish this dish takes about 30–35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful weeknight meal.
A Quick Look at How to Make This Recipe
Below is a concise overview of the method. The full recipe with ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions follows.
- Combine the seasoning and rub most of it on both sides of the pork chops, reserving a bit for the apples.
- Thinly slice the onion, peel and wedge the apple, and mince the garlic.
- Caramelize the onion in butter until deeply golden, then add garlic briefly.
- Stir in the apples, sprinkle with the reserved seasoning and a splash of apple cider; cook until tender, then remove and keep warm.
- Lightly dredge the pork in flour and pan-sear until golden on both sides.
- Add the remaining apple cider and simmer, turning the chops until the cider reduces to a glossy glaze.
- Arrange the chops on a platter, top with the apples and onions, and spoon any remaining pan sauce over everything.
More Pork Chop Recipes
- Braised Pork Tenderloin with Cabbage and Apples
- Skillet Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese
- Japanese Style Pork Cutlet (Tonkatsu)
- Pan-Seared Pork Rib Chops
5 from 1 vote
Spiced Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
By Lynne Webb
A fall-inspired dish of spice-rubbed pork chops topped with tender apples and caramelized onions, finished with an easy apple cider pan sauce.
Prep: 10
Cook: 25
Total: 35
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, 1/2-inch thick, about 1 lb
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored and cut into wedges
- Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider, divided
Seasoning blend:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Trim any excess fat from the pork if needed.
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In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, coriander, salt and pepper.
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Reserve 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture for the apples. Sprinkle the remaining mixture evenly over both sides of the chops and press it in with the back of a spoon.
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Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until well caramelized, about 12–15 minutes.
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Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add the apple wedges, sprinkle with the reserved teaspoon of seasoning and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the apple cider.
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Toss the apples so they’re evenly coated, then cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the apple-onion mixture to a plate and set aside.
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Wipe out the pan, add a small amount of vegetable oil to coat the bottom, and return to medium-high heat.
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Dredge the pork chops in flour, shake off excess, and add to the hot pan. Cook until lightly browned, about 1½ to 2 minutes per side.
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Pour in the remaining apple cider and continue cooking, turning the chops several times, until the liquid reduces and the pork is glazed with the cider.
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Transfer the chops to a serving platter and top with the caramelized apples and onions.
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Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the dish and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results choose pork chops with some marbling and leave a thin rim of fat along the edge so the meat stays juicy during cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 322, Total Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 83mg, Sodium: 352mg, Carbohydrates: 19g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 24g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.