Best Almond Crusted Chops With Cider Sauce Recipes

Almond crusted chops with cider sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of juicy pork chops with a crispy almond crust and tangy cider sauce. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal and can be served with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a salad.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Prepare the pork chops

Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. In a bowl, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs and dried thyme. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard. In a third bowl, place the sliced almonds. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it well, and finally coat it with the sliced almonds.

3. Cook the pork chops

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned. Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.

4. Make the cider sauce

In the same skillet used to cook the pork chops, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the apple cider and chicken stock and whisk until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced by half. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Serve

Serve the pork chops hot, with the cider sauce drizzled on top.

Variations

• Substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or fish fillets.
• Use different types of nuts such as pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for the crust.
• For a healthier version, use almond flour instead of regular flour and bake the pork chops instead of frying them.
• Add other herbs and spices to the crust mixture such as rosemary or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Almond crusted chops with cider sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy almonds and tender pork chops, along with the tangy and sweet cider sauce, is a winning combination that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Almond-crusted chops with cider sauce is a delightful dish to serve to friends and family. The crispy, nutty flavor of the almond coating is the perfect complement to the juicy pork chops. A drizzle of cider sauce rounds out the flavors and gives the dish a tangy sweetness. If you want to make this dish, here are some valuable tips that will make the process easier and ensure that the final result is delicious.

Choose the Right Cut of Pork

The success of this recipe hinges on choosing the right cut of pork. You need chops that are thick enough to withstand the cooking process without drying out. Look for bone-in pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. The bone will help keep the pork moist, and the thickness will allow the interior to cook through while the exterior develops a beautiful golden crust.

Season the Pork

Before you start coating the pork chops in almond meal, take a moment to season them with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the pork and prevent the dish from being overly bland.

Toast the Almond Meal

Toasting the almond meal before you use it in the recipe is crucial. This step enhances the nuttiness of the almonds and makes them crunchier. Simply spread the almond meal on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.

Coat the Pork Chops

To coat the pork chops in almond meal, you will need to set up a dredging station. Start by mixing the toasted almond meal with some flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat an egg with some milk. Dip each pork chop in the egg mixture, shake off any excess, and then coat it in the almond meal mixture. Make sure the chop is evenly coated, pressing the almond meal mixture onto the pork to help it adhere.

Allow the Coating to Set

Once the pork chops are coated in the almond mixture, let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will give the coating a chance to set and adhere to the pork, which will prevent it from falling off during cooking.

Use a Heavy Skillet

When it's time to cook the pork chops, use a heavy skillet that can go from stovetop to oven. Cast iron is an excellent choice for this recipe because it heats evenly and retains heat well. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the pork chops.

Cook the Pork Chops

To cook the pork chops, you will need to sear them on both sides before finishing them in the oven. Add a little bit of oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.

Finish in the Oven

Once the pork chops are seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven. Let the pork chops cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to test the temperature.

Make the Cider Sauce

While the pork chops are cooking in the oven, it's time to make the cider sauce. In a small saucepan, heat some butter over medium heat. Add some diced onion and cook until it's soft and translucent. Then, pour in some apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it reduces and thickens slightly. Season the sauce with some salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle some of the cider sauce over each pork chop and garnish with some fresh thyme or parsley. Serve with your favorite side dish, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Conclusion

Almond-crusted chops with cider sauce are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. With these valuable tips, you can make this recipe with confidence and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Remember to choose the right cut of pork, season it well, toast the almond meal, and use a heavy skillet for searing. And don't forget to make the tangy-sweet cider sauce to round out the flavors of this mouthwatering dish.