Crispy Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Roasted Apples
This easy weeknight dinner features juicy pork chops coated in a crispy, savory crust and topped with sweet and tangy honey mustard. Roasted apples add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish, making it a perfect fall meal. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Pork chops have always been a staple in my weeknight cooking repertoire. They're relatively inexpensive, widely available, and quick to cook. However, I've always found that they can be a bit bland and dry. I decided to experiment with different ways to make pork chops more flavorful and juicy, and I finally hit upon this recipe. The key is to create a crispy crust on the outside of the pork chops, while keeping the inside moist and tender. I also wanted to add some sweetness and acidity to the dish, so I roasted some apples with the pork chops. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless pork loin chops (about 1 pound total)
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons honey mustard dressing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil, arrowroot powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Season the pork chops with the spice mixture.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet.
Add the apple wedges to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned.
Add the apples to the baking sheet with the pork chops.
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the pork chops and apples.
Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and the apples are tender.
Why It Works
The arrowroot powder in the spice mixture helps to create a crispy crust on the pork chops. Arrowroot is a starch that absorbs moisture and forms a protective layer on the surface of the meat. This prevents the pork chops from drying out during cooking.
The honey mustard dressing adds sweetness and acidity to the dish. The mustard helps to tenderize the pork chops, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. The roasted apples also add sweetness and acidity to the dish, and they help to balance out the richness of the pork chops.
Roasting the pork chops in the oven helps to ensure that they are cooked evenly and that the inside of the meat remains moist and tender.