Stovetop Pork Chops with Onion–Balsamic Pan Sauce + Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples
Crispy-edged pork chops with a quick pan sauce built from caramelized onions and balsamic. Roasted Brussels sprouts and apples (both great in early March in WA) make it feel seasonal and red-wine-friendly without being heavy.
Back to full listIngredients
- Kroger® Bone-In Pork Loin Center Cut Chop 1 lb (2 chops) $6.29/lb
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts - Order by the Pound 3/4 lb, halved $3.99/lb
- Large Fuji Apple – Each 1 apple, sliced $2.49
- Jumbo Yellow Onions 1/2 lb (about 1/2 large onion), thin-sliced $1.49/lb
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced $1.50
- Michele Chiarlo Barbera D'Asti Le Orme Italian Red Wine 1 x 750 ml $18.99
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss halved Brussels sprouts and sliced apple with oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Roast 18–22 minutes, stirring once, until browned and tender.
- Pat pork chops dry; season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high with a little oil. Sear chops 3–4 minutes per side until well browned; reduce heat to medium and cook 2–5 minutes more until 140–145°F (carryover to safe temp). Transfer to a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and browned. Add minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add 2–3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (pantry) and 1/3–1/2 cup chicken broth (optional if you have it) or water; scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2–4 minutes to slightly thicken. Taste and balance with a tiny pinch of sugar/honey (pantry) if needed.
- Serve chops topped with onion-balsamic pan sauce, with the roasted Brussels sprouts and apples alongside.
Cook time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: $12–18
Health notes: Balanced, high-protein dinner with lots of fiber from Brussels sprouts. Keep it lighter by using less oil and going easy on the pan-sauce reduction.
Drink pairing: Medium-bodied reds with acidity to cut the pork and match balsamic sweetness.
Wine picks:
- Michele Chiarlo Barbera D'Asti Le Orme Italian Red Wine $18.99 1 x 750 ml
- Vietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne Italian Red Wine $20.99 1 x 750 ml
Why it works: For **Stovetop Pork Chops with Onion–Balsamic Pan Sauce + Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples**, Barbera is a dialed-in match: it’s typically **high-acid, low-tannin**, so it cuts through the pork’s richness without getting metallic, and it plays beautifully with the dish’s **sweet-tart balsamic**, caramelized onions, and the apple-roasted Brussels sprouts. The lively cherry/berry fruit also complements the sweet-savory elements without adding heaviness. For 2 people, **one 750 ml bottle** is the right size (generous with dinner, with a bit left for later).