Pan Seared Pork Chops with Apples and Golden Raisins
Juicy bone-in pork chops seared until golden, then braised with sweet apples, shallots, golden raisins, and fresh thyme. An easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for fall weeknights.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 4 apples sliced (Gala and Golden Delicious, or whatever you like)
- 2 shallots sliced
- ½ cup golden raisins soaked and drained
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt to taste
- Pepper fresh ground, to taste
- ¼ to ½ cup water
Instructions
- Season the pork chops on both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chops until browned, about 5 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the second. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the shallots, apples, soaked golden raisins, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until the shallots are soft and translucent.
- Return the pork chops and any juices to the pan, nestling them into the apples and shallots. Add ¼ to ½ cup of water, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and braise for 10 minutes.
- Check the chops with a thermometer; they’re done at 145°F. Very thick chops may need a few more minutes.
- Move the chops to a cutting board to rest for 3 minutes. Let the sauce simmer a few minutes longer if it needs to reduce, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Slice the pork off the bone and serve over the apples, raisins, and shallots. Spoon over plenty of pan sauce and finish with fresh thyme.
Notes
- Boneless chops: Shorten the searing time by a minute or two per side and start checking the temperature after about 5 minutes of braising. They'll cook a little quicker without the bone.
- Soak the raisins in hot water for about 10 minutes.
- Herbs: Rosemary, sage, or a mix can stand in for the thyme. Use what you like, or what you have.
- For a richer sauce: Use chicken broth, apple cider or a splash of dry white wine instead of water.
- Serve with: Creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or simple buttered egg noodles.
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