Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw

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

Tender pork chops pan-seared to perfection served alongside a crisp, tangy apple and cabbage slaw for a balanced Whole30 meal. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, sea salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature registers 145°F. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 medium julienned apple, and 1 shredded carrot in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp honey (optional). Pour dressing over the slaw and toss until coated.
  5. Step 5: Serve the rested pork chops alongside a generous portion of apple and cabbage slaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw?

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-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw 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.

Is Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cabbage Slaw whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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