Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Nordic Apple-Cabbage Slaw

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

Juicy pork chops seared to perfection paired with a crisp, tangy slaw inspired by the fresh produce markets of Nørrebro. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 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 380 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F; remove and rest 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 large julienned green apple, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated medium carrot in a mixing bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the apple-cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until crisp slaw is evenly coated; serve alongside rested pork chops.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Nordic 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Nordic 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 Nordic 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Nordic Apple-Cabbage Slaw?

Mediterranean 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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