Turkey Free Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Pork chops get a serious glow-up here, coated in a warm spice rub of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon before hitting a hot skillet for a deep, golden sear. The real magic happens in the pan sauce — unfiltered apple cider, a splash of apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme reduce down into a glossy, slightly syrupy glaze that clings to every bite. Sliced garlic goes in first, picking up all those caramelized bits from the sear before the cider hits the pan and transforms the whole skillet into something that smells absolutely incredible. The chops finish right in that glaze, soaking up the sweet-tart flavor as they come up to a perfect 145°F. It's a one-pan dinner that feels genuinely special without requiring a long ingredient list or complicated technique. For anyone steering clear of poultry, this is the kind of satisfying, centerpiece-worthy main that proves you're not missing a thing.
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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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