MSG Free Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Pork chops can feel like a weeknight staple that never quite reaches its potential — until a glossy, fragrant glaze gets involved. Here, unfiltered apple cider and a splash of apple cider vinegar reduce down with honey, garlic, and fresh thyme into something genuinely restaurant-worthy, all in a single skillet. The chops get a rub of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon before hitting a hot pan, so every bite carries warm, layered spice underneath that sticky-sweet finish. Because every ingredient is whole and unprocessed — no seasoning packets, no bottled sauces, no shortcuts that sneak in hidden additives — you stay completely in control of what goes on the plate. That matters more than people realize with pork dishes, where pre-made marinades and flavor enhancers are practically the default. Searing the chops first locks in a deep golden crust, and finishing them in the reduced glaze keeps the meat juicy all the way through. Scatter a little fresh thyme on top and serve immediately — this one does not need anything else.
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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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