Celery Free Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Pork chops can feel like a weeknight default that never quite lives up to their potential — but this skillet version changes that conversation entirely. A rub of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon gives the meat a warm, aromatic crust before it even hits the pan, and the hard sear in coconut oil locks in a deep golden color that looks like you really know what you're doing. The glaze is where things get genuinely exciting: unfiltered apple cider, a splash of apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme reduce down into something sticky, tangy, and just sweet enough to make you want to spoon it over everything on the plate. Sliced garlic goes into the pan right after the sear, picking up all those browned bits and building a savory backbone that keeps the glaze from tipping too sweet. Everything about this recipe is naturally free of celery and celery-derived ingredients — no mirepoix base, no hidden seasoning blends, no store-bought sauces to second-guess. You finish by returning the chops to the glaze and basting them until they hit 145°F, so the result is juicy, never dry, and coated in that glossy, cider-forward sauce. Scatter a few fresh thyme leaves over the top and serve immediately for a dinner that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually took.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾ inch thick, 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered, unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chop.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops in a single layer and sear, undisturbed, for 4 minutes, until the underside is deep golden and releases easily from the pan. Flip and sear the second side for 3–4 minutes, until equally golden.
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