Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy apple cider and mustard pan sauce inspired by regional flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and tent loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to skillet. When melted, add 2 tbsp minced shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup apple cider and bring to a simmer, scraping browned bits from the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the cider reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Whisk in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and simmer for another minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return pork chops to skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for 1 more minute to rewarm.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chops before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce?

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 Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce 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 Mustard and Apple Cider Sauce?

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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