Black Pepper Free Maple & Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
These glazed pork chops are the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more special than the effort involved — deeply savory, a little sweet, and finished with a glossy pan sauce that you'll want to spoon over everything on the plate. The seasoning blend of turmeric and ginger brings warmth and complexity without any heat, making this a genuinely satisfying option for anyone navigating a black pepper sensitivity or intolerance. So many pork recipes lean hard on cracked pepper for flavor, but this one proves you don't need it when you've got good maple syrup, tangy apple cider vinegar, and fragrant fresh thyme doing the heavy lifting. The technique is straightforward: a hard sear in coconut oil builds that gorgeous golden crust, then the chops finish right in the bubbling glaze so every bite is lacquered and tender. Sliced garlic cooked down in the drippings adds a savory backbone that ties the whole sauce together. Letting the chops rest briefly in the pan before plating means the juices redistribute and the glaze clings beautifully — don't skip that step.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup bone broth
- 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, and ginger, then rub the 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 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!