Honey Mustard & Apple Pork Chops is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe where pork chops are seared to perfection and then simmered in a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce, topped with sautéed apples for extra flavor. This dish combines the sweetness of honey, the acidity of mustard, and the richness of sautéed apples, making it a perfect fall or winter meal. The recipe is simple and results in tender, juicy pork chops that pair wonderfully with hearty sides.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in pork chops, thick-cut

• 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil)

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 2 red apples, cored and sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)

• ½ cup coarse ground Dijon mustard

• ¾ cup honey

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Trim any excess fat from the pork chops and drizzle with a small amount of vegetable oil. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tbsp cooking oil. Sear the pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a wire rack.

3. Sauté Apples, Onions, and Garlic: Drain the oil from the skillet and add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced apples and onions. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until apples and onions are ¾ cooked. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

4. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: Add apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke (if using), Dijon mustard, honey, cayenne pepper, and half of the fresh parsley. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

5. Baste and Cook the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet and baste with the sauce. Cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is moist and tender. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve hot.

Tips

• Marinating the Pork: Marinating pork before cooking can help enhance moisture and flavor.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 18g

The Perfect Pork Chops for This Recipe

The key to making this dish work is the choice of pork chops. Bone-in, thick-cut pork chops are the best option because the bone adds flavor, and the thickness ensures that the pork stays juicy throughout the cooking process. Trim any excess fat from the chops, and make sure to season them well with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and paprika before searing. This simple seasoning helps develop a flavorful crust when seared, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Searing the Pork Chops: Getting That Perfect Crust

Searing the pork chops is an essential step in this recipe. It not only helps develop a flavorful golden crust but also locks in the juices, ensuring that the pork remains tender and moist. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil to sear the pork chops. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until you achieve a light golden brown. It’s crucial to not overcrowd the pan to allow each pork chop to sear properly. Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the sauce and sauté the apples and onions.

Sautéed Apples and Onions: Adding Sweetness and Depth

The next step involves sautéing sliced apples and onions. The apples lend a natural sweetness, which perfectly complements the tangy mustard and the savory pork. Red apples, like Fuji or Gala, work well in this recipe because they provide both sweetness and a firm texture. When sautéing the apples and onions, cook them until they’re soft but still have a slight bite. Adding garlic in the last minute enhances the aroma and flavor of the base, making the sauce even more fragrant and flavorful.

The Honey Mustard Sauce: A Sweet and Tangy Complement

The star of this dish is the honey mustard sauce, which marries the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. This sauce is made by combining apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Liquid smoke is an optional ingredient but can add a smoky depth that complements the richness of the pork. Once the sauce is simmered and thickened, it becomes the perfect glaze for the pork chops, giving them a shiny, flavorful finish.

Basting and Cooking the Pork Chops

After making the sauce, return the seared pork chops to the skillet and generously baste them with the sauce. The goal here is to let the pork chops absorb the flavors of the honey mustard sauce while cooking through. As the sauce simmers, it not only coats the pork but also infuses the meat with rich, tangy, and sweet notes. The pork should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring it’s tender and juicy without being overcooked.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the pork chops are cooked and tender, it’s time to garnish and serve. The dish is beautifully garnished with fresh parsley, which adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note to balance the richness of the sauce and pork. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Why This Dish Works So Well

Honey Mustard & Apple Pork Chops is the perfect dish for several reasons. It combines familiar flavors with a little twist, making it comforting yet exciting. The pork is juicy and flavorful, while the honey mustard sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The sautéed apples bring a touch of sweetness and texture, making every bite a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

This dish is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make. With just a few simple steps—searing the pork, making the sauce, and sautéing the apples and onions—it’s a meal that’s sure to impress without requiring hours of preparation.

Health Considerations

While this dish is indulgent with its rich honey mustard sauce, it’s still a fairly balanced meal. The pork provides a good source of protein, and the apples and onions add vitamins and fiber. You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice in the sauce to your preference, making it customizable to suit your tastes. For a lighter version, you can serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad instead of the heavier sides like mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard & Apple Pork Chops is a delightful dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in a way that is both comforting and satisfying. With its juicy, seared pork chops, caramelized apples, and rich honey mustard sauce, this recipe is perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to special family meals. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again, especially during the colder months when you crave something warm and hearty. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy this delicious, flavorful meal with your loved ones.