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Flavorful Apple Cider Reduction Recipe for Perfect Pork Chops

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This apple cider reduction transforms pork chops into a gourmet dish with tangy-sweet flavors and a rich, glossy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (thick-cut)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of fresh apple cider. Add the honey and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce by half, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chops and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour the reduced apple cider into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  5. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer for 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145Β°F (63Β°C).
  6. Remove the pork chops and spoon the glossy apple cider reduction over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

[‘Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.’, ‘Let the pork chops rest after cooking to retain their juices.’, ‘If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.’, ‘For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider reduction, pork chops, fall recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free, quick recipe