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What Pork Chops Should I Buy?
Everyone has their preferences and I have mine. There are many pork chop cuts and some of them are fattier than others. I have to admit that I tend to buy leaner cuts.
Boneless pork loin chops or as they are also known pork loin steaks are the cut I buy most often. It’s lean, delicious and relatively inexpensive.
Shoulder chops are my second choice. They are very affordable and are quite flavorful, however they can have a fair bit of gristle. Braising shoulder chops in order to tinderies them is the way to go!
How To Cook Pork Loin Chops Without Drying Them Out
As great as pork chops are they can be disappointing when they come out as dry as a bone.
Here are the reasons why that happens and solutions to prevent it
Pork chop meat is quite lean and often thinly cut, so it only requires a short cooking time. The reason for your dry pork chop is mostly likely overcooking.
So what can I do to avoid a dry pork chop?
- Quickly sear them for flavor but don’t keep them in a pan too long. Prolonged direct heat makes them tougher.
- Oven bake them in liquid until tender.
Braising pork loin chops in a sauce doesn’t not only tenderize them but also imparts much flavor. Sauces are my favorite trick when it comes to creating flavorful food!
What Sauce Goes With Pork Chops?
The sauce itself is very simple but incredibly savory and satisfying. The secret ingredient that makes it absolutely irresistible is dry apple cider, something Normandy is known and famous for.
Here is How To Make It:
- Saute chopped onion and celery in a bit of oil, add some minced garlic and fresh or dried thyme. Deglaze the pan with a splash of brandy and let it reduce until you see nearly no liquid. Brandy adds such a fragrant and sweet touch to this delicious sauce. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Thicken it with flour and then pour in your dry apple cider and yes, it is an alcoholic cider we are after. If you prefer to go alcohol free, replace with non alcoholic cider plus 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Let it bubble away with pork chops in the pan, then add cream and simmer a bit longer.
What Side Dish Goes Well With Pork Loin Chops ?
I serve these boneless pork loin chops in creamy sauce over plain rice. The apple cider sauce is so delicious, it does a great job at flavoring the rice. I can’t think of a side dish this recipe wouldn’t work with, to be honest.
This is such a quick and easy recipe to make, I hope you enjoy this unique Apple Cider Sauce & Pork Loin Chops!
Apple Cider Sauce & Pork Loin Chops
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pork loin chopsseasoning salt to tasteblack pepper to tastegarlic powder to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen apple cider concentrate, undiluted
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning.
- Place in hot oil, and brown on both sides. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over chops, and pour in apple cider.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove chops to a plate, and return frying pan to stove over medium-high heat. Stir sherry into pan, and boil until sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
- Serve sauce over chops.
