Cajun Apple Pork Chops
These Cajun Apple Pork Chops are an easy pork recipe for a busy weeknight. With a simple side of sauteed apples they are a healthy dinner option for a filling weeknight meal ready in 40 minutes.
Pork chops are a good dinner staple because of how easily and quickly they cook. There are so many ways to prepare pork chops so when I find them on sale at the grocery store I buy a couple packs and stick them in the freezer.
Despite the simple ingredient list, these pork chops were juicy and full of so much flavor, the spicy Cajun seasoning contrasting with the sweet apples and onions.
I often serve this with a half and half mix of sweet potato- mashed potatoes that are always a hit with my family and parmesan garlic green beans or honey glazed carrots.
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Ingredients
- olive oil
- 1 inch thick Pork Chops
- apples
- red onion
- garlic
- Cajun Spice Mix
- Parlsey
- Salt
- Pepper
Possible substitutions:
I’ve specified the thickness of the pork chops but if you would like to use ones of a different thickness you will need to change the cooking time accordingly.
Anything thinner than 1 inch thick will most likely only need a little longer in the pan. The best way to make sure the meat is cooked through but not over done is to use a meat thermometer.
How to know when pork is cooked through?
According to the USDA pork should be cooked to a minimum of 145℉ when measured at the thickest part and not touching the bone.
A good meat thermometer will always be your friend when cooking meats to the perfect temperature. I use my Thermoworks thermopen all the time to make sure I don’t overcook or under cook my meat.
How to make this:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Rub Cajun spice mix over both sides of the pork chops. Use more for a bolder flavor, go light for a subtle flavor.
- Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a large skillet heated over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork chops and cook for 1-2 minutes or until you get a good sear. Flip and cook for 1-2 additional minutes or until browned.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and transfer to a cookie sheet. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 5-10 minutes or until cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest, tented with foil for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the same skillet the pork chops were in.
- Add onions and garlic and cook over medium high heat until beginning to brown and soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add apples and continue to saute for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and turn heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
TOP TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS
There is little prep work needed for these pork chops so it’s a good one to involve children in. They can help cut the onions and apples and rub the spices on the pork chops.
To help engage your children in the meal, you can allow them to choose one or more sides to serve with the pork. That way they may be more likely to eat some of what has been served even if they don’t like the main dish.
See here for more tips on cooking with kids!
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You might like some of our other favorite pork meals:
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil divided
- 4 Pork Chops 1 thick
- 2 apples chopped
- 1 red onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 Tablespoons Cajun Spice Mix
- Parlsey for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Rub Cajun spice mix over both sides of the pork chops. Use more for a bolder flavor, go light for a subtle flavor.
- Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a large skillet heated over medium-high heat. Add seasoned pork chops and cook for 1-2 minutes or until you get a good sear. Flip and cook for 1-2 additional minutes or until browned.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and transfer to a cookie sheet. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 5-10 minutes or until cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest, tented with foil for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the same skillet the pork chops were in.
- Add onions and garlic and cook over medium high heat until beginning to brown and soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add apples and continue to saute for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and turn heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Pork is a staple at our house and your apple relish to go with look perfect! Thanks for sharing on the National Pork Month Celebrate 365 Blog Party.
Thanks for linking up to last week’s Tasty Tuesday Linky! I have pinned your recipe to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest Board. Hope you stop by and link up tomorrow!
I like cajun so much…and all nuts! Thank you for linking at Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party!
This looks delicious, Thanks for sharing with us at Pin-Worthy Wednesday!
Yum! I love the idea of the Cajun spice with the apple flavors!!! SOUNDS DELISH!!! Thanks for sharing at the Marvelous Monday Link Party!!
I definitely need to try this recipe! I usually have 2 main ways to prepare pork chops–I either bread them with crushed saltines and fry, or make a sage gravy. We really like those, but these look so yummy as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this recipe! We will have try this for dinner sometime soon. Also I just wanted to say this is a great blog! 🙂
Thanks KaCee!
This looks heavenly, Jade and I love that the ingredients are simple and most are in my pantry!
Everybody needs some recipes that use just pantry staples, right?