Grilled Pork Chops with Vanilla Scented Apples
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these Grilled Pork Chops with Vanilla-Scented Apples—a mouthwatering combination of smoky, juicy pork and sweet, aromatic apples. Perfectly seasoned pork chops, grilled to tender perfection, are topped with a luscious mixture of sautéed honeycrisp or gala apples caramelized with brown sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of pure vanilla extract. The subtle acidity of apple cider vinegar balances the dish, bringing depth and complexity to every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with elegant, fall-inspired flavors that are sure to impress. Serve these chops as a hearty main dish for your next family meal or casual dinner party, garnished with fresh thyme for a stunning presentation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large honeycrisp or gala apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, heat until coals are glowing and covered in ash.
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon evenly on both sides.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the apple slices and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the apples and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and caramelize slightly.
Stir in the vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat to low and let the apples cook gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
Place the pork chops on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If there are flare-ups, move the pork chops to a cooler part of the grill.
Remove the chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Plate each pork chop and top with a generous spoonful of the vanilla-scented apples. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.7 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 802 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 27.6 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 44 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 528 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
