Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Cabbage Slaw
Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection paired with a crisp, tangy apple and cabbage slaw. This american-inspired pork (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs (about 1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops, thinly sliced green cabbage, medium, cored and julienned apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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) bone-in pork chops
- 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1 medium, cored and julienned apple
- 1 large, shredded carrot
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tsp (optional for balance) honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1 julienned medium apple, and 1 shredded large carrot with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp honey if using. Mix well and set aside to marinate while cooking.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp sea salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove chops and let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Serve the pork chops alongside the fresh apple-cabbage slaw dressed in the tangy vinaigrette.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-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-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 thinly sliced green cabbage from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-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-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-Cabbage Slaw whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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