Keto Means
Photo by samer daboul Pexels Logo Photo: samer daboul

Is it better to cook pork chops low and slow?

For juicy pork chops that won't dry out, take those thick cuts from the oven to the skillet. Slow-roasting in the oven at a low temperature before a final, quick sear in the skillet keeps these boneless chops juicy.

Is it normal to poop a lot on keto?
Is it normal to poop a lot on keto?

You may experience constipation, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, and other changes to your digestion. The good news is that you're not alone....

Read More »
What foods not to eat when trying to lose weight?
What foods not to eat when trying to lose weight?

11 Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight The foods you eat can have a major effect on your weight. ... French Fries and Potato Chips. ......

Read More »

Slow-roasting in the oven at a low temperature before a final, quick sear in the skillet keeps these boneless chops juicy. The reverse-sear method promoted by cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt of Serious Eats means you’ll evenly cook the interior while drying the exterior so that when the chops hit the pan, you quickly get a lovely, browned crust. López-Alt’s recipe originally called for thick, bone-in chops, but we found the method worked just as well with thick boneless cuts, which were easier to find. Feel free to use bone-in chops (we tried both blade and center-cut) if you prefer, though the timing may be slightly different. Thinner chops are more likely to overcook in this strategy, so see the related recipe for an alternate method that uses the same addictive pan sauce. You’ll need an instant-read thermometer for monitoring the meat. About that — the 160-degree mark may stick in your mind. That was previously the recommended safe internal temperature by the government (it still applies to ground pork), but most chefs and even home cooks can attest to the temperature causing many a sad, overcooked piece of pork. In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration lowered the safe minimum cooking temperature for pork to 145 degrees, so for medium, cook the meat to 140 to 145 degrees, knowing that the temperature will rise to 145 to 150 degrees as the meat rests.

Scale and get a printer-friendly version of the recipe here.

Ingredients

FOR THE PORK

Four 6- to 8-ounce boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

FOR THE SAUCE

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup unsweetened apple cider

1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 cup)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Step 1

For the pork: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 2

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides; place them on the wire rack. Slow-roast (middle oven rack) for about 25 to 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chops registers 100 to 110 degrees (medium-rare) or 110 to 120 degrees (medium). To prevent overcooking, start checking temperature 5 to 10 minutes before the suggested time.

Step 3

What can you substitute for brown sugar in chili?
What can you substitute for brown sugar in chili?

7 Clever Substitutes for Brown Sugar White sugar and molasses. White sugar and maple syrup. Coconut sugar. Honey, maple syrup, or agave. Raw...

Read More »
How do I burn fat at night while sleeping?
How do I burn fat at night while sleeping?

6 Ways to Lose Weight While You Sleep Lift weights at night. ... Drink a casein protein shake. ... Take a cold shower. ... Drink green tea. ......

Read More »

Heat the oil in a large skillet (stainless-steel or cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to brown.

Step 4

Add the butter, shallot and thyme; continue cooking, spooning shallots and thyme on top of the chops and basting the meat with butter until golden brown on both sides. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes; an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 135 degrees (for medium doneness). Use tongs to hold the pork chops on their sides so those get seared as well, and their fat caps crisp up a bit; this should take about 1 minute. (If your chops are very thick, you may need to do this on other sides as well to finish cooking the edges.) Remove the pan from heat. Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 5

For the sauce: Whisk together the cider vinegar, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves in a bowl.

Step 6

Return the skillet to the stove top, over medium heat; add the butter and diced apples. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the apples are browned and softened. Add the vinegar mixture; cook for about 4 minutes, to form a syrupy sauce. Taste, and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

Step 7

Cut the pork chops into slices (as thick or thin as you wish) and transfer to a platter. Pour the apples and sauce over them, and serve warm.

Adapted from a recipe by López-Alt posted on FoodandWine.com.

Tested by Becky Krystal; email questions to voraciously@washpost.com.

Scale and get a printer-friendly version of the recipe here.

Nutrition

Calories: 450; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Cholesterol: 110 mg; Sodium: 510 mg; Carbohydrates: 31 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugars: 30 g; Protein: 42 g.

GiftOutline Gift Article

How much weight can u lose in 8 weeks on keto?
How much weight can u lose in 8 weeks on keto?

A safe average loss is around one to two pounds (0.5-1 kg) per week. Here's what studies say about losing weight on the ketogenic diet: One study...

Read More »
What is the maximum number of carbs to stay in ketosis?
What is the maximum number of carbs to stay in ketosis?

50 grams Carb targets to stay in ketosis According to a 2018 review of the different types of ketogenic diet, a person should consume up to 50...

Read More »
What do women's pheromones smell like?
What do women's pheromones smell like?

The compound androstenone can induce many reactions, depending on who is on the receiving end. For some, it smells sweet, like flowers or vanilla;...

Read More »
What is the most unhealthiest snack ever?
What is the most unhealthiest snack ever?

7 Worst Snacks Your Dietitian Would Never Eat Any baked chips. Rice cakes. Pretzels. Potato chips. Veggie sticks or straws. Store-bought smoothies....

Read More »