This recipe for oven baked pork chops with apple sauce offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Brined to ensure moist and tender meat, the pork chops are paired with a buttery, savory apple sauce that's perfectly balanced. Serve with green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
In a large bowl, mix water, salt, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and apple cider vinegar. Stir until salt dissolves.
Place pork chops in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Prepare the Apple Sauce:
In a pan, sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic, sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme, rosemary, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld.
Add apples and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 60 to 90 minutes.
Puree the mixture until smooth, then strain for an even finer texture.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce. Finish with butter to add richness.
Preheated Oven to 375°F (190°C)
Prepare the Chops:
After the pork chops have brined, dry them thoroughly. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, Heat oil in a pan until it reaches 365°F (185°C).
Sear pork chops on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Transfer the chops to a preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Prepare the Green Beans:
Melt butter in a pan and sauté shallot until translucent. Add cooked green beans and apricots, tossing until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
Serve the pork chops with a generous spoonful of apple sauce and a side of green beans. Enjoy!
Pro-Tips
The Brine Is The Key
For the juiciest and most flavorful pork chops, be sure to brine them before baking. A simple brine of water, salt, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar can work wonders.Let the pork chops soak in the brine for at least two hours (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator. This step ensures that the pork chops stay moist and tender during baking.
Use A Meat Thermometer
When cooking pork, be sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145°F. Cooking pork to 145°F and allowing it to rest will ensure it remains moist due to carryover cooking, which will bring the temperature up slightly. Overcooking can lead to dry pork chops, so stick to the recommended 145°F for the best results.
Achieve a Beautifully Caramelized Crust
To achieve a beautifully caramelized crust on your pork chops, sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking. This technique locks in the juices and adds a delightful texture to the final dish. After searing, transfer the chops to the oven to finish cooking. This combination of searing and baking gives you the best of both worlds—a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
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