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Quick Crispy Pork Chops with Easy Apple Cider Glaze

crispy pork chops with apple cider glaze - featured image

These quick crispy pork chops with apple cider glaze come together in under 30 minutes and taste like something you’d order at a nice restaurant. The double-sear technique gives you a perfectly crispy crust and a tangy-sweet glaze that’s absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (about 800g total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2g)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter (28g), cubed
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Apple slices (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the pork chops (5 minutes): Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and flour. Season both sides of each chop generously with this mixture. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Start the glaze base (2 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat the pan (2 minutes): Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and you see the first wisp of smoke.
  4. First sear (6-8 minutes): Carefully place the pork chops in the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. Flip using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).
  5. Rest and prepare the glaze (5 minutes): Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, pour in the glaze mixture. Stir with a whisk, scraping up the browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Second sear (4-5 minutes): Return the pork chops to the pan, spooning some of the glaze over the top. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Check the internal temperature—it should read 145°F (63°C).
  7. Finish the glaze (1 minute): Remove the pork chops to a serving platter. Off the heat, swirl in the cold butter cubes until melted and the glaze is glossy. Spoon this over the chops immediately.
  8. Rest and serve (5 minutes): Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with apple slices if desired.

Notes

The double-sear technique is key: sear once for the crust, then again after the glaze goes on to lock in flavor. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy. If the glaze starts to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy pork chops, apple cider glaze, quick dinner, weeknight meal, pork chops, apple cider vinegar