Pork chops are a beloved classic, celebrated for their versatility and delicious flavor. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy them is Pan Fried Pork Chops With Apple And Pepper Gravy. This dish brings together the savory taste of pork with the sweetness of apples, creating a delightful balance that’s sure to please your palate. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the most tender and flavorful pork chops.
Introduction
Pork chops have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. The combination of pork with apples has historical roots, especially in European cuisines, where apples are often paired with pork to complement its rich flavors. This dish elevates the classic pairing by adding a savory apple and pepper gravy, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
To make Pan Fried Pork Chops With Apple And Pepper Gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Apple and Pepper Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Pork Chops
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
- Fry the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. For tender pork chops, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent a good sear.
- Rest the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the gravy.
Making the Apple and Pepper Gravy
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the onion, apple, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and apple cider while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the apple cider vinegar for a hint of acidity.
- Simmer the Gravy: Let the mixture simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. For added depth of flavor, you can also add a pinch of fresh thyme.
- Return the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the chops and let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Tips and Variations
Tender Pork Chops
- Do you boil pork chops before frying?: Boiling pork chops before frying is not recommended, as it can lead to overcooked and dry meat. Instead, opt for a good sear in a hot pan to lock in juices.
- How to fry pork chops so they are tender?: The key to tender pork chops is not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).
- What is the secret to moist pork chops?: Moist pork chops can be achieved by letting them rest after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute. Also, cooking on medium-high heat ensures a good sear without drying them out.
Flavor Pairings
- Why does applesauce go with pork chops?: Applesauce pairs well with pork chops because the natural sweetness of apples complements the savory, rich flavor of the pork.
- Best gravy for pork chops: While this recipe uses apple and pepper gravy, other great options include mushroom gravy, onion gravy, or a classic brown gravy.
Variations
- Apple gravy for pork chops: You can experiment by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the gravy for a warm, spiced flavor.
- How to make pan gravy from pork chops: After frying the pork chops, use the browned bits left in the pan as a base for your gravy. Add broth or stock and whisk in flour or cornstarch to thicken.
- Pork chops with gravy recipes: Consider adding herbs like rosemary or sage to the gravy for an aromatic twist.
- Apple gravy for roast pork: This gravy is also excellent with roast pork, providing a sweet and savory balance.
- Pork chops in gravy in oven: For an alternative method, bake the pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then finish with gravy.
- How to make pork chop gravy with flour: The key is to cook the flour with fat (butter or drippings) to create a roux, then slowly add liquid while whisking to avoid lumps.
- How to make brown gravy for pork chops: Use beef or chicken stock, add Worcestershire sauce for umami, and season with garlic powder or onion powder for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Pan Fried Pork Chops With Apple And Pepper Gravy (one pork chop with gravy) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
Pan Fried Pork Chops With Apple And Pepper Gravy is a delightful dish that combines classic flavors in a comforting and delicious way. The tender pork, sweet apples, and savory gravy create a harmony of tastes that’s perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the mouthwatering combination for yourself. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media. Subscribe to our newsletter at easycrispyrecipes.com for more delicious recipes like this one. Enjoy.