Elegant Pork Chops Recipe: A Simple Yet Sophisticated Dinner for Any Occasion
This Elegant Pork Chops recipe brings together the rich flavors of tender center-cut pork chops, sweet apples, and a tantalizing honey and orange sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a special evening gathering, these pork chops are paired beautifully with twice-baked potatoes and a fresh mixed greens salad. The combination of flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s simple enough to prepare in just under an hour. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Recipe Category: Pork
- Keywords: Pork, Meat, Under 60 minutes, Elegant Dinner, Simple Pork Recipe, Pork Chops with Apple Sauce
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a deliciously sweet and savory pork dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Red apples (peeled and sliced) | 1 apple |
| Canned chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1 1/4 tablespoons |
| Orange zest | 4 teaspoons |
| Center-cut pork chops | 4 chops |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
The Elegant Pork Chops recipe offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 406.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 19.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 79.8 mg |
| Sodium | 564.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 27.6 g |
| Protein | 27.2 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to prepare these Elegant Pork Chops from start to finish. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in just under an hour.
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Melt the Butter:
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. The butter will help cook the pork chops and give the sauce its rich, buttery flavor. -
Sauté the Apples:
Add 1 red apple, peeled and sliced, to the skillet. Sauté the apples for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and tender. The apples will soften and begin to caramelize, adding sweetness to the dish. -
Add Liqueur and Bring to a Boil:
Pour in 1/4 cup of liqueur (such as brandy, if desired) and bring the mixture to a boil. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a complex, deep flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. -
Add Broth and Flavorings:
Add 4 cups of canned chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 1 1/4 tablespoons of honey, and 4 teaspoons of orange zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The broth and honey will form the base of your sauce, while the orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note. -
Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid thickens slightly. The sauce will reduce and become more concentrated, developing a beautiful glossy texture. -
Season the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Season it to taste with salt and pepper. The seasoning will bring all the flavors together, so taste and adjust as needed. -
Preheat the Broiler:
Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler to high heat. The broiler will give the pork chops a beautiful golden crust on the outside while keeping them tender and juicy on the inside. -
Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the 4 center-cut pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper, seasoning the meat to your liking. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the pork. -
Broil the Pork Chops:
Arrange the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet or broiler pan. Place them under the broiler and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until the pork is no longer pink in the center and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The broiling process ensures that the pork chops develop a nice, crispy exterior. -
Transfer to Plates:
Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the broiler and transfer them to plates. -
Serve with Sauce:
Spoon the hot apple and honey sauce over the cooked pork chops, ensuring each chop is generously coated with the flavorful sauce. This adds a layer of sweetness and richness to the meat. -
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley over the top of the pork chops for a burst of fresh flavor and color. The parsley adds a beautiful contrast to the warm sauce and complements the dish perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Pork Chops
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Choosing Pork Chops: Opt for center-cut pork chops, which are lean and tender. Bone-in chops can also work well, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Broiling Tips: Keep an eye on the pork chops while they’re under the broiler to avoid overcooking. Broilers can cook quickly, and you want to maintain a juicy interior.
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Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash more honey for extra sweetness if desired.
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Side Dishes: Serve these pork chops with twice-baked potatoes and a fresh mixed greens salad for a well-rounded meal. The rich, savory flavors of the pork pair wonderfully with the creamy potatoes and crisp salad.
Conclusion
This Elegant Pork Chops recipe is the perfect dish to elevate any dinner, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a special evening at home. The combination of juicy, broiled pork chops with a sweet apple and honey sauce is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a complete meal that feels as elegant as it is easy to prepare. Enjoy!
