Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage

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

A comforting skillet dish featuring tender pork braised with tart Ohio apples and fragrant sage, capturing regional fall flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, fresh sage leaves, chopped, medium Ohio apples, sliced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, searing for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy edges form.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 sliced medium Ohio apples and cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Step 5: Return pork to the skillet, then pour in 1 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until pork is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage?

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 fresh sage leaves, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage?

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 Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage 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 Skillet Braised Pork with Ohio Apple and Sage?

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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