Soy Free Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Juicy, golden-seared pork chops finished in a bubbling apple cider glaze — this is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. The spice rub of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon gives the chops a warm, aromatic crust before they ever hit the pan, and the coconut oil sear locks in a deep, caramelized color on both sides. Soy can sneak into a surprising number of store-bought sauces and marinades, but this glaze is built entirely from scratch — apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh thyme — so there's nothing hidden to worry about. As the cider reduces, it transforms into something slightly syrupy and intensely savory-sweet, picking up all those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Spooning that glossy pan sauce over the finished chops right before serving is genuinely one of the most satisfying moves in home cooking. Scatter a few fresh thyme leaves on top and you've got a plate that looks like it came out of a proper restaurant kitchen.
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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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