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Crispy Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Apples

Crispy Brown Sugar Pork Chops with Apples - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut pork chops with a crispy brown sugar crust, served with caramelized tart apples. This savory-sweet dish is ready in under 20 minutes and offers comforting, soul-soothing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, thick-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cinnamon.
  4. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
  5. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Do not crowd the pan.
  6. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  7. Remove the cooked pork chops to a plate.
  8. In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted and foaming, add the sliced apples.
  9. Cook the apples for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  10. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking the apples to prevent burning.
  11. Push the apples to the side of the pan and return the pork chops to the skillet.
  12. Spoon the apple mixture over the top of the chops.
  13. Sprinkle the brown sugar spice mixture over the chops.
  14. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to melt and crisp up the sugar coating.
  15. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan, as this causes the pork to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary. Do not move the chops once they are in the pan to allow the crust to form. Watch the brown sugar closely as it burns quickly. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil. If using boneless chops, reduce cooking time by about a minute per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar, apples, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, cast iron skillet, comfort food, gluten-free, quick dinner

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-brown-sugar-pork-chops-with-apples-10-min-easy-dinner/