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Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops Recipe

A cozy, vegan twist on Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops—tender, flavorful, and bursting with caramelized apple sweetness and fall flair.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Vegan “Pork Chops”
  • 2 cups seitan or firm tofu thickly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp black pepper
For the Apple Cider Sauce
  • 1 cup apple cider not vinegar!
  • 1 small onion finely sliced
  • 1 apple thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter
  • ½ tsp rosemary
For Garnish
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or apple slices

Method
 

  1. Prep the “Pork”: In a bowl, mix seitan or tofu with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Sear It Golden: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sear each side for 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same pan, add vegan butter. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and caramelized.
  4. Add Apples & Cider: Toss in apple slices, cider, maple syrup, mustard, and broth. Stir gently.
  5. Thicken with Style: Add cornstarch mix, stirring until sauce thickens beautifully and smells irresistible.
  6. Braise the Magic: Return “pork chops” to the pan, coat them in sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Serve Like a Star: Garnish with thyme or apple slices. Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 26g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 22%
  • Vitamin C: 18%
  • Calcium: 15%
  • Vitamin A: 10%
  • Magnesium: 14%

Additional Notes/Tips

  • Add a splash of white wine for extra depth (and drama).
  • Use pear slices instead of apple for a twist.
  • If you like it creamy, stir in a tablespoon of oat cream at the end.
  • Pair with roasted root vegetables or garlic mashed cauliflower.
  • Warning: this dish may trigger sudden “wow, you made that?” compliments—handle with grace and a hair flip.