When you want some warm satisfying dish to prepare for your family or guest then try this pork chop recipe with applejack. It is recipes like this apple spirit – which is traditional to Americans – that brings a rather sweet and gingery undertone to juicy pork chops to deliver just the right mix.
Why Applejack?
Applejack is the kind of brandy which has roots in the United States especially the northeastern region. Its flavor profile is dominantly apple that perfectly blends and balances with the delicious flavors of the meat without the addition of sugar to the sauce. The addition of applejack in your pork chop recipe will just be perfect to add flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup applejack
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables on the side
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Season the Chops: Coat the pork chops well with salt and pepper on both the sides of the chops. They should be allowed to rest at room temperature for at least about fifteen minutes which improves the flavor of the food.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat the Skillet: Coat a large skillet with the olive oil and put the olive oil over moderately high heat. Finally when the oil has become hot, place the pork chops into the pan and fry them for approximately 4-5 minutes each side until they turn golden brown. Withdraw the chops away from the skillet, and put them aside.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Same with the skillet, add the butter with it. Once it is melted, sauté sliced onions until they turn soft and slightly browned in color for about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and mix it well and cook for another one minute.
- Deglaze with Applejack: Slowly add the applejack in the skillet, making sure to scrape the damaged areas to pick up those bits. This makes your sauce more tasty and adds depth of flavor to your sauce. Allow it to boil for approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add dijon mustard, honey, thyme and chicken broth into the mix. Now let the mixture follow a gentle heat for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid has been reduced slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Pork Chops
- Return the Chops: Put the pork chops back to the skillet and pour some sauce on top of them. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork is 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Plate and Garnish: Now that the pork chops have been seared and browned, transfer it to a separate plate and let it sit for a few minutes. This should be accompanied with a lot of applejack sauce and some sprigs of fresh thyme. Serve alongside mashed potato, or any other roasted vegetables of your choice for the full meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This pork chop recipe with apple jack is a wonderful method by which you may even make the dinner a bit classy. Their joint taste of pork and applejack with the presence of aromatic herbs would definitely appeal to people’s palate. Also, it isn’t very time-consuming making this dish which will give you a chance to bond with your guests or family members without spending most of the time preparing the meal.
If ever you find yourself in a state where you want something to look forward to for dinner that also feels special without really trying too hard, give this recipe a go. To put it in simple terms, your tongue will approve of it! Happy cooking!