A Family Favorite: Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce and Red Cabbage Slaw

There’s something about pork chops that just brings back memories of family dinners, the pleasant buzz of conversation, and the warm glow of the dining room light. And let me tell you, pairing them with a zesty mustard sauce and a crunchy red cabbage slaw brings this classic dish to a whole new level! Whether you’re an adventurous food lover or a comfort-seeking home cook, this combination of flavors is bound to pique your interest.

As a food writer who has experienced many a pork chop, from the juiciest to the most regrettable, I’ve honed in on some secrets to making them perfectly succulent. Here’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that will guide you through the magic of crafting a meal that might just become a new staple in your household. I promise, it's easier than you think but feel free to pretend it took hours of toil when you see the impressed looks on your family's faces. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Assembling your ingredients is the first step to any great recipe. For this one, you’ll need a mix of fresh produce, pantry staples, and of course, the pork chops. Here’s everything you should gather:

  • For the Pork Chops:
    • 4 pork chops, about 1-inch thick, bone-in
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Mustard Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
    • 1/2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
    • 1 carrot, julienned
    • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s put it all together. I’ll walk you through each step, so even if you’re not the most confident cook, you’ll do just fine.

1. Prepare the Pork Chops

Rub each pork chop with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and let them rest. This lets the juices redistribute, making each bite juicier than the last!

2. Make the Mustard Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until golden and fragrant. Add both mustards, honey, and heavy cream, stirring to combine all the flavorful bits left from the pork. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Pour it over the rested pork chops when ready to serve.

3. Toss Together the Red Cabbage Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced red cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced onion, cider vinegar, olive oil, and sugar. Toss everything together until well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, making the slaw slightly pickled and crunchy.

Serving and Storage Tips

To serve, place a pork chop on each plate and generously drizzle with the mustard sauce. Top with a hearty helping of the red cabbage slaw. The tang of the slaw complements the creaminess of the sauce perfectly, making every bite a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

If you have leftovers, they keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store the components separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. The pork chops can be reheated gently, and the slaw will stay crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—pork chops with mustard sauce and red cabbage slaw that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also add a splash of color and excitement to your dinner table. Remember, cooking is not just about following recipes; it's about creating memories around the table. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and share this delightful meal—and the stories that come with it.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Maybe add apples to the slaw or a splash of white wine to the sauce. Cooking is an adventure, after all. Enjoy the journey!