Caramelized Pork Apples (Printer-Friendly)
Tender pork cubes and caramelized apples in a warm, spiced sauce ready in 35 minutes.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Pork
01 -
1.5 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
02 -
0.75 tsp salt
03 -
0.5 tsp black pepper
04 -
0.5 tsp garlic powder
05 -
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
06 -
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
07 -
1.5 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Apples
08 -
1.5 medium Gala apples, peeled and diced
09 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter
10 -
0.75 tsp packed brown sugar
11 -
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Caramelized Sauce
12 -
3 tbsp packed brown sugar
13 -
3 tbsp soy sauce
14 -
0.33 cup chicken broth
15 -
1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
16 -
2 tsp Dijon mustard
17 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
18 -
0.75 tsp fresh ginger root, minced
19 -
0.75 tsp cornstarch
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
In a mixing bowl, evenly season pork cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle cornstarch over the pork and toss gently to coat, removing any excess.
02 -
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork cubes in two batches to prevent overcrowding, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
03 -
In a separate pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes.
04 -
Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until cornstarch is fully dissolved.
05 -
Return pork to the skillet, add caramelized apples, and pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring to coat evenly, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and apples, about 2 to 3 minutes.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Ensure skillet is adequately heated before adding pork to achieve proper browning and maintain tenderness.
02 -
Use firm apples like Gala or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during caramelization.
03 -
If sauce thickens excessively, adjust with additional chicken broth; if too thin, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
04 -
Mince garlic and ginger finely to harmonize flavor without overwhelming the dish.