Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Five-Spice Apple Compote

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops served with a warm apple compote infused with Chinese five-spice for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. Add pork chops and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Remove chops from skillet and tent with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 2 diced medium apples, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder. Stir to coat the apples and cook for 4 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup water and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer the compote for 3-5 minutes until apples are tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the warm five-spice apple compote over the rested pork chops and garnish with 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves if desired before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Five-Spice Apple Compote 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-Seared Pork Chops with Five-Spice Apple Compote?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Five-Spice Apple Compote?

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 Five-Spice Apple Compote 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Five-Spice Apple Compote?

Chinese 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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