If you’re looking for an elegant one-pan meal that comes together in under half an hour, look no further than these seared pork chops with fennel and apple. Brining the meat ensures it stays tender, juicy, and flavorful, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to skip this step and cook the pork chops right away—just note that the meat will need to be sprinkled generously with salt before going into the hot skillet. When the meat is done cooking, sliced fennel and chunks of apple are added to the pan and cooked with butter until tender and golden around the edges. Be sure to cover the meat with foil in the meantime so it doesn’t get cold.
Directions
- Add sugar, salt, and 2 cups of water to a 9-inch square baking dish (or another shallow medium-size dish), then stir until fully dissolved. Add the pork chops and ensure they are fully submerged, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12.
- When ready to cook, transfer the pork chops to a plate and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the pork chops and flip every 2 minutes (taking care to sear the sides as well) until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 145°F, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Once cooked, remove the pork chops to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil.
- Add the fennel, apple, and 3 tablespoons of water to the pan and stir occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes or until the water has evaporated. Add the butter along with a pinch of salt and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and the fennel is beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes more.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vinegar and honey, then pour the mixture over the pork chops. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a hearty grain such as pearl barley or farro.
Zola Gregory
Zola Gregory is a writer and recipe developer based in Seattle. Having previously worked as a pastry chef and baker, she now enjoys helping others find success in their own kitchens through her stories, recipes, and baking classes.