Maple-Pecan Pork Chops

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings (1-1/4 cups sauce)

Updated: Mar. 15, 2022
For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Maple-Pecan Pork Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick and 8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Directions

  1. Mix mustard, pepper and 2 teaspoons syrup. Lightly drizzle over both sides of pork chops.
  2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Brown pork chops 2-3 minutes on each side. Add apple juice. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until a thermometer reads 145°, 15-20 minutes. Remove chops; let stand 5 minutes, keeping them warm.
  3. Add pecans and remaining syrup to skillet; cook and stir until blended, 1-2 minutes. Serve with pork chops.

Can you freeze Maple-Pecan Pork Chops?

Cool pork chops. Prepare maple sauce, but do not add pecans. Freeze pecans and pork chops with sauce in separate freezer containers. To use, thaw pecans; partially thaw pork chop mixture in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet, turning occasionally, until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 165°. Remove chops to a platter. Add pecans to sauce; serve with chops.

Nutrition Facts

1 pork chop with 5 tablespoons sauce: 657 calories, 41g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.