Skillet Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
If you need a simple but delicious meal in under 20 minutes, these skillet pork chops with caramelized apples are just the ticket. The juicy pork chops develop a crispy, sweet crust thanks to adding brown sugar and the caramelized apples simply melt in your mouth. It’s so good.
Not only are these pork chops quick and easy for a stress-free lunch, but they’re special enough for a date night dinner, too. I’ve even made them for brunch along with some fried eggs.
The secret to fast cooking is to always have some meat thawing out in your refrigerator. I’m not particular, but I’ll bring a few pounds of various meat out at a time. I try to pick a variety of meats for the week.
The other secret to fast meals is to always have quick-cooking side dishes in your kitchen. You probably have your favorites. I opt for potatoes when I need something in a hurry. But in this recipe, I’m using apples which are even quicker.
Simple and Delicious Skillet Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
These pork chops and apples are ready in less than 20 minutes. Thanks to a few key ingredients, the pork chops develop a crispy and sweet skin and the buttery apples simply melt in your mouth.
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Ingredients
Pork Chops – You will need two large pork chops for this recipe. I have my butcher cut pork chops that are between 3/4 inch and 1 inch thick, and I leave the bones in most of them.
Apple – Use a large green apple like a Granny Smith if you have it. If not, golden apples like Golden Delicious or red apples like Gala apples or Honeycrisp apples are also fine.
Butter – You will need three tablespoons of butter. I use unsalted butter but you can use salted butter if you prefer. Just avoid using margarine or any other imitation butter. The real stuff is needed to develop the crispy, brown skin.
Brown Sugar – Use one tablespoon of either dark brown sugar or light brown sugar. I like using dark brown sugar in the recipe because the molasses flavor is extra delicious with the apples and pork.
Salt – You can use sea salt like Redmond real salt, celtic sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or another gourmet salt. I pretty much stick with find ground Redmond real salt for all my recipes. If you are on a salt-restricted diet, use a low sodium option like potassium chloride or a bit of granulated sea kelp.
Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to these sweet pork chops.
Tools You May Need
Small bowl
Cutting board
Knife
How to Make Pork Chops and Caramelized Apples
First, melt two tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet of medium heat. Then sprinkle both sides of your pork chops with salt and pepper, to taste. You can substitute the salt with granulated sea kelp or potassium chloride, if necessary.
Then core and cut an apple into 1/2-inch thick slices. Make sure you save your apple core in your freezer for making apple scrap vinegar or apple scrap jelly!
Put the apple slices into your hot skillet with the melted butter. You may need to adjust the heat a little bit so that the apple slices get caramelized on both sides. You want them to be brown and not burned.
This all takes 4 or 5 minutes, tops.
When the apples are cooked, remove them to a separate bowl. Now it’s time for the pork chops.
Melt the remaining one tablespoon of butter in your hot skillet. Then add the two pork chops and let them cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
I use my second hottest burner on my gas stove, which gets the pork chops crispy in 4 minutes. You may need to adjust your heat slightly, though.
When your pork chops are cooked to your desired doneness on one side, flip them over and reduce the heat to medium low. Also, add in the sliced apples and sprinkle the pork chops and apples with brown sugar.
If your stove burner isn’t as hot as mine, you may need to keep your heat set on medium.
Cover the meat and apples with a lid and set your timer for 7 to 10 minutes. If you want your pork chops cooked to medium doneness, check them at 7 minutes. If you want your pork chops cooked to well done, check them at 10 minutes.
The lid traps in the heat and moisture so that you end up with juicy and tender pork chops.
Check that the internal temperature of your pork chop is safe at 145°F (63°C) by sticking a meat thermometer or digital food thermometer in the center or the thickest part of the meat.
Don’t worry about the color. Even if the meat is still slightly pink, as long as the temperature is 145°F or higher, it’s safe to eat. You want to avoid foodborne illness like Trichinella by killing the harmful bacteria with high heat.
And that’s it! This delicious meal is ready in under 20 minutes and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes afterward.
I kept things simple with just the pork chop and caramelized apples, but you can add another side or two if you need something more substantial. Some of my favorite options are baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and dressing. Brussels sprouts, green beans, rice, or macaroni and cheese are also good options, though.
Recipe Card
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Skillet Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
Equipment
- cast iron skillet and lid
- small bowl
- tongs
- cutting board
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops, large and bone-in
- 1 apple, cut into ½-inch slices
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (either dark brown or light brown is fine)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, core and cut the apple into ½-inch slices. Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops, to taste.
- Add the apple slices to the hot skillet and cook until both sides are caramelized (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove to a separate bowl.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the two pork chops and cook for 4 minutes or until the skin is crispy and caramelized but not burned. Adjust the heat as necessary.
- Then flip the pork chops over, reduce heat to medium low, add back in the apples, and sprinkle the apples and pork chops with the brown sugar. Cover and cook for 7 minutes for medium doneness or 10 minutes for well done.
Storage
You can easily store your skillet pork chops and caramelized apples in an airtight container in your refrigerator for several days. I doubt there will be any leftovers, though.
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