Pressure Cooker Pork Chops with Applesauce
User Reviews
5
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Total Time
21 mins
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Servings
2 - 4
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Calories
289 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pressure Cooker Pork Chops with Applesauce
Description
The recipe starts by seasoning pork loin chops and browning them in grapeseed oil to develop a golden crust. Meanwhile, onion and garlic are sautéed in the pressure cooker to build flavor. Thinly sliced Gala apples, whole cloves, cinnamon, honey, chicken stock, and soy sauce join the pot, creating a fragrant sauce that softens and infuses the pork with sweet and savory notes. Pressure cooking reduces the time needed to tenderize the pork while preserving moisture.
The resulting pork chops are tender and juicy, served with a cinnamon-spiced applesauce that balances richness with fruit sweetness. The cloves and cinnamon add warmth, while soy sauce lends umami depth. This dish suits a comforting dinner and pairs well with simple sides.
Using pork loin chops with some marbling helps retain juiciness. Thin apple slices ensure fast flavor release. Checking the internal temperature to reach at least 145°F guarantees thorough cooking. The recipe is adaptable for rating and sharing feedback for refinement.
Ingredients
- 2 - 4 pork loin chops (we used center-cut, bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or olive oil
- 1 onion sliced, small
- 3 cloves garlic , roughly minced
- 2 Gala apples , thinly sliced
- 2 pieces clove optional, whole
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup chicken stock unsalted, or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce regular
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt kosher salt, to taste; ground black pepper, to taste
- black pepper kosher salt, to taste; ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch optional, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare Pork Chops: Make a few small cuts around the sides of the pork chops so they will stay flat and brown evenly. Season the pork chops with a generous amount of kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Prepare Pressure Cooker: Heat up your pressure cooker (Instant Pot: press Sauté button and click the adjust button to go to Sauté More function). Make sure your pot is as hot as it can be when you place the pork chops into the pot (Instant Pot: wait until the indicator says HOT). This will prevent the pork chops from sticking to the pot.
- Brown Pork Chops: Add grapeseed oil into the pot. Ensure to coat the oil over the whole bottom of the pot. Add the seasoned pork chops into the pot, then let it brown for roughly 2 – 3 minutes on each side (don’t need to keep flipping). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium (Instant pot: press cancel button, then press sauté button). Add in the sliced onions and stir. Add a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper to season if you like. Cook the onions for roughly 1 minute until softened. Then, add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrance.
- Make Applesauce: Add in the thinly sliced gala apples, whole cloves (optional) and cinnamon powder, then give it a quick stir. Add the honey and partially deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Deglaze and Taste: Add chicken stock and regular soy sauce, then fully deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Taste the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if desired.
- Pressure Cook Pork Chops: Place the pork chops back with all the meat juice into the pot. Close lid and pressure cook at high pressure for 1 minute + full Natural Release (roughly 10 minutes). Turn off the heat. Open the lid carefully.
- Taste and Thicken Applesauce: Remove the pork chops and set aside. Turn heat to medium (Instant Pot: Press sauté button). Remove the cloves and taste the seasoning one more time. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Add butter and stir until it has fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Optional Step: Mix the cornstarch with water and mix it into the applesauce one third at a time until desired thickness.
- Serve: Drizzle the applesauce over the pork chops and serve immediately with side dishes!
Notes
- Select pork loin chops with moderate marbling to maintain moisture during cooking.
- Thinly slice apples to maximize juice release and flavor infusion in the sauce.
- Use a food thermometer to confirm pork reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to rate the recipe and provide feedback in the comments to help others and improve the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2- 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 289kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 335mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 639mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 93IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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