Quick and Easy to Cook, Pork with Golden Apple Rings make a light and delicious midweek meal.
Have you realised I'm a bit of a fan of pork? Maybe it's because we spend a lot of time in Suffolk where they produce great pork. Or maybe its because it is one of the most economical meats.
Whatever the reason it tastes great and is ideal for making quick midweek meals such as my Oven-baked Pork Schnitzel and Pasta with Creamy Pork and Sage . Actually as most of the pork that is produced nowadays tends to be very lean, it is generally better if it is cooked quickly.
Pork Loin Steaks or Chops
I've made this dish a fair few times and often I use pork loin chops but this time I have opted for loin steaks because I couldn't get hold of pork chops when I came to shoot this post.
These were from the supermarket and trimmed of almost all fat which is fine but they were also cut quite thinly and weighed in at just 100g (3 ½ oz) each. Now given that like many I am trying to reduce the amount of meat we eat that's fine too and is plenty for me.
But with two grown lads at home, they would have easily eaten two each, if I let them. If like them, you would like a bit more, by all means, increase the number of pork steaks. You will not need to increase the glaze or the amount of apples.
Alternatively, use pork chops as they are often bigger, especially if you buy them from the butchers. See below for notes on cooking times.
How quick is quick
Surprisingly the instructions on the packet for the pork loins suggested cooking for least 12 - 18 minutes. I found as they were thin that in just 2 minutes under the grill on one side and mine were already almost cooked through. If I had cooked them the full time suggested they would have been like leather.
Granted I have a very efficient/hot grill. So I cooked mine for just 2 minutes each side and a minute each side after brushing with the glaze was enough. If your grill is not as efficient simply increase the cooking time before glazing. You only need a minute or two with the glaze.
Pork is cooked when the meat no longer reduces pink juices when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife.
If you use pork chops these will take a good 5- 10 minutes each side depending on the thickness. When testing to see if they are cooked test near the bone which will be the slowest to cook through.
Step By Step Pork with Golden Apple Rings
Pork with golden Apple Rings.
Ingredients
- 4 pork loin steaks about 100g (3½oz) each
- 2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 15 g butter
- 2 eating apple cored and thickly sliced
- 2 teaspoon light muscovado sugar
- generous pinch grated nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill and cook the pork chops for 2-5 minutes each side depending how thick the steaks are.
- Combine the mustard, honey and lemon juice and use to baste the chops both sides. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes each side until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small frying pan and fry the apple slices over a low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to let the butter burn.
- Sprinkle over the sugar and spices and continue cooking until the apples are soft and the sugar has started caramelise. Tip the remaining baste into the pan and let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two
- Serve the pork chops with the apple slices and juices spooned over.
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
This looks gorgeous! I love simple but tasty midweek meals. Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Eb x
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
This looks incredible. All of my favourite ingredients on one plate! I love cooking with pork loins and have been known to seek out the extra thick ones or have two (and I'm not a growing lad haha).
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Good for you Cat. Im hoping my lads have stopped growing now both are over 6ft but they require a lot to keep them going
Lesley Garden says
I've just looked at this recipe and now know what I want for dinner. Pork and apples are just the best pairing, but those apple rings look so delicious.
Corina Blum says
Pork with apples and a honey mustard sauce is such a great combination! It sounds so tasty.
louise Gunstone says
This is a lovely midweek meal... I love the golden apple rings. Apple and pork are a match made in heaven and this is a simple way to do it midweek. Thanks
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I agree pork and apple is a perfect match