Skillet Pork Chops and Apples with Miso Caramel is a savory and slightly sweet dish that blends the succulence of pork chops with the natural sweetness of apples, elevated by a unique miso caramel sauce. This modern twist on classic pork and apples introduces the umami depth of miso paste, which complements the caramel’s buttery sweetness, creating a complex and flavorful glaze. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also easy to prepare, making it a superb choice for a comforting dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and sliced into wedges
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Pork Chops:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned on both sides and nearly cooked through, about 6 minutes per side depending on their thickness. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté Apples and Onion:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, sliced apples, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Miso Caramel:
- Push the apples and onion to the sides of the skillet. Add the brown sugar and water to the center of the skillet, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the miso paste and apple cider vinegar, mixing well until the miso is fully integrated and the sauce has caramelized slightly.
- Combine and Finish Cooking:
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the apples and onions. Spoon some of the miso caramel over the chops.
- Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F) and the flavors have melded.
- Serve:
- Serve the pork chops immediately, topped with more of the miso caramel sauce from the pan and garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Skillet Pork Chops and Apples with Miso Caramel offers a delicious harmony of flavors, from the savory richness of the pork to the crisp sweetness of the apples, all brought together by the uniquely savory miso caramel. This dish is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and depth of flavor, making it a standout meal for both family dinners and special occasions.
