This dish features juicy pork chops paired with sweet sautéed apples and onions. It’s a tasty mix that brings out the flavors of both the meat and fruit!
I love how the sweetness of the apples balances the savory chops. Plus, it’s quick to make! You can impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork chops will work too, though they can dry out more easily. Make sure to check the cooking time!
Apples: Fuji or Gala apples are sweet and perfect for this dish. You can substitute with Honeycrisp for added crispness or Granny Smith for a tart kick. Just adjust the brown sugar or honey accordingly!
Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness when cooked. If you need a milder flavor, sweet onions like Vidalia are great too. Red onions can be used but will add a slightly different taste.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives a lovely aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so reduce the amount!
Apple Cider: This ingredient adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, substitute with white wine or even chicken broth for deglazing the pan. Apple juice is another option that keeps the sweetness.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Apples and Onions?
Sautéing apples and onions is about getting the right balance of flavors and cooking them to the perfect texture. You’ll want the onions to become soft and sweet and the apples to stay tender yet slightly firm.
- Start the onions first. Cook them in butter until they are soft and translucent—about 4 minutes.
- Add the apples next since they take less time to cook. Mix them in with the onions to combine flavors.
- Avoid high heat to let the apples caramelize slowly, enhancing their sweetness without burning.
Don’t rush—let them cook together! The combination of sautéed apples and onions will create a delicious topping for your pork chops.
Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), cored and sliced into wedges
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes seasoning and searing the pork chops, followed by about 15 minutes sautéing the apples and onions. Just a short time to create a flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Begin by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat while cooking.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F). Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside, loosely covered with foil to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent.
4. Add the Apples:
Now, it’s time to add the apple slices to the skillet with the onions. Stir everything together and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
5. Flavor it Up:
Stir in the rosemary sprigs for a fragrant touch. If you’re using it, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar (or honey) over the apples and onions, then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together.
6. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
If you want to add extra flavor, pour in the apple cider or apple juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
7. Combine and Heat:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the apple and onion mixture. Heat everything together for about a minute to rewarm the pork.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the pork chops to serving plates, generously spoon the sautéed apples and onions over the top, and garnish with extra fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve while hot with your favorite side dish, like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad.
Enjoy this classic fall-inspired dish where the savory pork pairs perfectly with the sweet, tender apples and caramelized onions!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work as a substitute! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Pears would be a fantastic substitute for apples, or you can mix in some plums for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s ripeness and tenderness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the sautéed apples and onions in advance—just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the pork. Cook the pork just before serving for the best texture and flavor.