Reverse Seared Pork Chops (Apple and Maple Marinated)

Name: Reverse Seared Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 thick pork chops (bone-in); 2½ cups apple juice ((600ml)); ½ cup maple syrup ((120ml)); 2 garlic cloves ((roughly chopped)); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoon oil (divided); 1 tablespoon salted butter

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Last Updated on August 25, 2021 by Slow The Cook Down

Get the most juicy and delicious pork chops with this easy reverse seared method of cooking. Marinated with apple juice and maple syrup, this is a foolproof way of cooking your pork chops perfectly!

Two reverse seared pork chops in a skillet, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Those regular readers will know that the reverse seared method of cooking is my go to way of preparing and cooking steak, and guess what, it works just as well with thick pork chops too.

Pork chops are so often overcooked, and come out grey, chewy and dry, I will admit that I've done this on more than a few occasions! But no more! Reverse seared pork chops guarantees perfect results every time - seriously guys, they are so good!

These pork chops are marinated in apple and maple before being baked in the oven and then quickly seared to perfection. Easy enough to serve up for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for those special occasions too.

Why you will love this recipe!

Quick and easy: Don't be put off by the fancy name, this method of cooking thick pieces of meat is super straight forward and most of the cook time is totally hands off.
Perfect every time: This is seriously a foolproof method. Be sure to use an instant read thermometer and you will be blown away with the results.
Delicious! Honestly, we have actually avoided pork chops for a long time, more often than not they have been underwhelming. These are so juicy and full of flavor and I can't wait to make them again! Seriously, give these a shot!

A reverse seared pork chop sliced into strips.

Ingredients

Pork chops: Use bone in pork chops, the bone helps to keep them nice an juicy and they are less likely to dry out. Use thick chops, at least an inch and a half to get the best results.
Marinade: Made with a mix of apple juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt and butter. This adds a nice sweetness that works so well with the pork.
Oil and butter: For cooking. I like to use a mix of butter and oil for richness, but you can use just oil if you prefer.

How to make reverse seared pork chops

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Marinate the pork chops (photo 1).
Bake the pork chops in the oven (photo 2).
Sear the pork chops on both sides (photo 3).

Three step by step shots to show how to marinate and cook the pork chops.

Recipe Variations

I love the apple and maple marinade for these reverse seared pork chops, but you can use any favorite marinade you like. Honey and mustard would work great, or add in some herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you marinate the pork chops?

These pork chops can be marinated anywhere between 2 and 12 hours. After two hours, the pork will have started to tenderize and the flavor of the marinade will start to penetrate the top layers. It's best not to leave it more than 12 hours, as the acid from the apple juice will start to break down the meat too much and you can end up with a mushy texture.

What temperature should the pork be?

Reverse seared pork is cooked in two stages; first in the oven and then in a hot skillet on the stovetop to sear it.

Take the pork out of the oven when it reaches 110F, this will take about 30 minutes at 250F. Don't worry, when you take it out it will not look fully cooked, but we finish cooking in in the hot skillet which will get the temperature up to 145F and it will be fully cooked through.

Be sure to use an instant read thermometer for the best results.

Why reverse sear?

Reverse searing is a really easy method to ensure that you don't overcook your meat. It's cooked slowly at a low temperature in the oven, so it retains more of it's juices, and then you get a great crust on it when seared quickly on a high heat. For me, this method totally takes the guess work out of cooking, and it's so easy!

Overhead shot of a cooked pork chop with fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

These reverse seared pork chops are great served with all of your usually veggies and potato mains, and of course, a generous helping of cider applesauce. Try it with:

Make ahead and storage

These pork chops are best enjoyed as soon as they are cooked so that they are nice and juicy, but you can marinate them overnight. If you do have leftovers, they are best to be reheated in the oven at 350F in a baking tin with a couple of tablespoons of water and covered loosely with foil, for 15 to 20 minutes til heated through.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Use thick bone-in pork chops for the best results.
Make sure that the chops are fully covered in the marinade, add more apple juice if needed.
Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking in the oven.
Make sure the skillet is hot when you add in the pork chops to sear them. the butter should be bubbling.
Do let them rest for at least 5 minutes on a board, tented with foil before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so that they are extra juicy.

Overhead shot of a reverse seared pork chop sliced into pieces on a cutting board.

More Pork Recipes

I love hearing from you!! If you have tried these reverse seared pork chops, be sure to scroll down, give them a star rating and let me know what you thought!

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