Skillet Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Pan Sauce & Braised Cabbage
Savory pork chops get a quick skillet sear and a sweet-tart apple-onion pan sauce, served with caramelized cabbage for a dinner that tastes like late winter turning into spring. It uses some of the best-value produce in season in Washington right now.
Back to full listIngredients
- Boneless Pork Loin Chop 2 chops, about 10-12 oz total $6.99
- Organic Green Cabbage 1/2 small head $1.10
- Honeycrisp Apples 1 large $2.77
- Sweet Onion 1 medium $1.43
- Organic Garlic, 3 CT 2 cloves $2.89
- Organic Thyme 1 tsp leaves $2.49
- Lemon 1/2 $0.99
Instructions
- Prep 2 Boneless Pork Loin Chops ($6.99) by patting dry and seasoning with salt and pepper. Thinly slice 1/2 small Organic Green Cabbage ($1.10), thinly slice 1 medium Sweet Onion ($1.43), core and slice 1 large Honeycrisp Apple ($2.77), mince 2 cloves Organic Garlic ($2.89), strip 1 teaspoon thyme leaves from Organic Thyme ($2.49), and cut 1/2 Lemon ($0.99) into wedges.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the 2 Boneless Pork Loin Chops ($6.99) for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced 1 medium Sweet Onion ($1.43) and cook 3 minutes. Add the sliced 1/2 small Organic Green Cabbage ($1.10), half the minced 2 cloves Organic Garlic ($2.89), half the 1 teaspoon thyme leaves ($2.49), a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes until the cabbage softens and browns at the edges.
- Stir the sliced 1 large Honeycrisp Apple ($2.77) into the cabbage mixture and cook 2 to 3 minutes so it softens slightly but keeps its shape. Move the cabbage-apple mixture to one side of the skillet or transfer to a bowl if your pan is crowded.
- Add 1 teaspoon olive oil if needed, then add the remaining minced 2 cloves Organic Garlic ($2.89) and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme leaves ($2.49) to the skillet for 30 seconds. Return the 2 Boneless Pork Loin Chops ($6.99) to the pan with 2 tablespoons water and a squeeze of juice from the 1/2 Lemon ($0.99). Cover and cook on low 3 to 5 minutes, until the pork is just cooked through.
- Serve the 2 Boneless Pork Loin Chops ($6.99) over the warm cabbage, onion, and apple mixture. Finish with another squeeze from the 1/2 Lemon ($0.99) to brighten the pan sauce.
Cook time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: $10-14
Health notes: About 600-700 calories per serving. Good protein from pork, plus vitamin C and fiber from cabbage and apples. To keep it lighter, use just enough oil to sear and let the apples provide natural sweetness instead of extra sugar.
Drink pairing: Pinot Noir is a classic partner for pork and apples, especially if you like red wine with earthy sweetness. For white, dry Riesling brings acidity that lifts the cabbage and fruit.