Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops pan-fried to a golden crust and finished with a tangy apple cider reduction, served with garlicky sautéed spinach. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs (8 oz each) bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 bone-in pork chops (8 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add pork chops to skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and pour in 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens.
  4. Step 4: In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the garlic butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops drizzled with the apple cider reduction alongside the sautéed spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach?

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.

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