Miso Apple Pork Chops
These Miso Apple Pork Chops deliver a perfect harmony of juicy pork, caramelized apples, and the complex depth of miso that elevates this dish beyond ordinary pan seared pork with apple glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 395 kcal
Large Skillet
Meat thermometer
Mixing Bowl
For the Pork
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Miso Apple Glaze
- 2 large apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and sliced
- 3 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for less sweetness
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers (about 45 seconds), add the pork chops without crowding the pan. Don't move them for 4-5 minutes. Flip once and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Remove to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add apple slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
While apples cook, whisk together miso paste, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
Pour the miso mixture over the apples and stir gently to combine. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the pan, nestling them among the apples. Spoon some sauce over the chops and simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat the pork and marry the flavors.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredient Notes: Don't have miso? While it provides distinctive umami depth, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon tahini mixed with 1 teaspoon soy sauce in a pinch. The flavor profile will change slightly but will still deliver a delicious savory-sweet balance.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option. Gently reheat in a covered skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water or apple juice over medium-low heat until just warmed through.
Healthier Alternatives: Use only one apple and add 1 cup of sliced cabbage or bok choy to maintain volume while reducing carbohydrates. Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce miso to 2 tablespoons for a lower-sodium option.
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 29gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 17g
Keyword Pork Chops, Apple Pork Chops, Miso Glazed Pork, Caramelized Apples