Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze
Why this recipe works
- Pan sauce with depth: The glaze is built directly in the frying pan, so the cider mixture picks up the browned pork and butter flavours.
- Sweet-tangy balance: Apple cider brings natural sweetness, while cider vinegar and Dijon mustard keep the glaze bright and savoury.
- Fast stovetop method: Searing and glazing in the same pan keeps the cooking time short without sacrificing colour or sauce texture.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Build a deeper sear: Pat the chops very dry before seasoning and let the first side brown properly before turning.
- Keep the pork juicy: Rest the chops briefly after searing, then return them to the glaze just long enough to finish cooking through.
Common mistakes
- Watch the glaze heat: A hard boil can darken the cider glaze too quickly; keep it at a steady simmer so it reduces evenly.
- Avoid overcooking: Once the chops go back into the pan, cook only until piping hot throughout and coated in the glaze.
Ingredient notes
- Use thick-cut bone-in chops: Thicker chops are better suited to searing because they have time to brown before the centre cooks through.
- Balance the glaze: If the sauce tastes too sweet as it reduces, add a little more vinegar; if it tastes too sharp, let it simmer briefly to mellow.
Make-ahead tips
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of apple cider, turning the chops so they heat through without drying out.
- Best served fresh: The glaze keeps well, but the pork has the best texture when served straight after cooking.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry, then season both sides with the salt and pepper. Lightly crush the garlic cloves with the flat of a knife.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. When it is foaming, add the pork chops and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden.
- Add the garlic and thyme to the pan and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, turning the chops once to coat in the butter. Transfer the chops to a plate to rest.
- Pour the apple cider into the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, then simmer over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until reduced and glossy.
- Return the pork chops and any resting juices to the pan and turn to coat in the glaze. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chops are cooked through and the glaze clings to the meat, then serve with the thyme spooned over.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best sear, make sure the pork chops are very dry before they hit the pan and do not move them until the first side is well browned.
- Keep the glaze at a gentle simmer so it reduces to a glossy finish without catching; lower the heat if it starts to darken too quickly.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, cook the pork until piping hot throughout and the juices run clear.
Substitutions
- Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a coarser texture and a slightly milder heat.
- Replace fresh thyme with fresh rosemary for a more robust, piney flavour.
- Replace apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar for a cleaner, sharper tang.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool, then refrigerate the pork and glaze in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider until piping hot, turning the chops to avoid drying them out.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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Allergens:
Milk Mustard
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