Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Appleraisin Candied Pork Chops are about to become your new obsession, combining the perfect balance of sweet and savory that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine tender, golden-brown pork chops glazed with a luxurious apple-raisin sauce that's so irresistible, your family will be begging for seconds before the first bite is even finished!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1 cup of apple juice, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the pork chops once they are seared.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet.
- Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- While the pork chops are searing, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Once the pork chops are seared, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the apple juice mixture over the pork chops in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve the Appleraisin Candied Pork Chops warm, spooning some of the delicious apple-raisin sauce over the top for added flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach exactly 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness – juicy and safe to eat.
- Raisin Prep Hack: Soak the raisins in warm apple juice for 10 minutes before adding them to the sauce. This plumps them up and intensifies their flavor.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork chops. A proper sear locks in juices and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Sauce Saving Tip: If the sauce is too thin, remove the pork chops and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it up.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the apple-raisin sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, saving you precious cooking minutes.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these pork chops with roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp apple slaw to complement the dish's flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
