Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

Ingredients

Serves 4

4 pork chops bone-in (about 8 oz / 225 gr each)

2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or regular brown sugar)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 ½ teaspoons fine grain salt, divided

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 ½ cups apple cider

4 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the middle.

In a small saucepan combine apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer, and cook until reduced and thickened — at least 10 to 15 minutes.

In a small bowl combine sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and mix with a fork — it will be the consistency of a crumbly paste.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, and then cover the chops on all sides with the spice rub.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet (or other oven-proof skillet) over medium-high heat.

When sizzling, add pork chops and sear on both sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Place in the oven and roast for about 5 minutes.

Remove pork chops from the oven, pour glaze over them, return in the oven and bake for further 5 minutes until caramelized.

Serve immediately!