Now that fall has finally arrived, it’s time to start switching light meals and salads for something more substantial. This cider braised pork chop with sauerkraut is full of classic fall flavors, from rich pork, crisp apples and sweet cider. That sweetness is balanced by savory onions, piquant sauerkraut, and just a touch of brown sugar.
It’s great simple comfort food. This is a good dish for a weeknight dinner or even for company. You only need to use one pan, so there’s not a lot of clean up involved. And, after a bit of chopping and slicing it’s ready in about half an hour. Just be careful not to overcook the pork. Put everything together, deglaze the pan, and then cook it gently for 15 or 20 minutes.
There are lots of variations on this idea. Some add bacon. Others roast the pork. I added carrots, but you can also skip the carrots in the main dish and make my honey mustard glazed carrots as a side dish. The sweet honey and the savory mustard complement the pork nicely.
Cider Braised Pork Chop with Sauerkraut
Pork chop braised in sweet cider and sauerkraut. An easy, one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly weather.
Ingredients
- 1 pork chop
- 2 tsp canola or neutral oil
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1 small apple, sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut in chunks
- salt and pepper to taste (go easy on the salt because of the sauerkraut)
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup sauerkraut
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil in frying pan. Brown the chop and set aside.
- Add the onion, apple, thyme, and carrot and season to taste.
- Cook for about 5 minutes and then remove from the pan onto a plate.
- Add the cider to the pan and deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits that cling to the bottom.
- Now add the sauerkraut and brown sugar.
- Put the pork and the veggies back in the pan. Turn heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Pick up the pork chop with tongs and set it on a plate. Arrange the vegetables over the pork chop, and then spoon the sauce over everything.
Cider Braised Pork Chop with Sauerkraut Substitutions and Variations
- Use white wine or chicken broth instead of the cider
- Replace the carrots with potatoes
- Add some sausage
- Saute some bacon in the pan first and cook the pork in the bacon fat instead of the oil
- If you find commercial sauerkraut too salty, mix in some raw cabbage to cut the salinity.
Pork and Cabbage Recipes
One Pot Polish Sausage and Cabbage with Potatoes
An entire meal: meat, potatoes, and veggies all packed into one single bowl (and one cooking pot).
Quick Creole Cabbage and Sausage
Fast, pantry-friendly and delicious. Colorful too, especially if you use red cabbage. Just add some rice for a full meal.
Chinese Chicken Noodle Cabbage Soup for One Person
Fragrant with garlic, spicy chili, and a hint of sweetness from honey, this Chinese chicken noodle cabbage soup tastes good and knocks out germs too.