Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish
Tender pork chops glazed with a sweet and smoky bourbon sauce, paired with a tangy charred apple relish for a perfect balance of flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1 inch thick, 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup, packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 large, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces apple
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2, minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, then rest on a plate.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced large apple, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until apples are softened and edges lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and season the apple relish with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Step 5: Brush the bourbon glaze generously over the rested pork chops. Serve each pork chop topped with a spoonful of charred apple relish for a sweet and savory finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oak-Aged Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Apple Relish?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
