Caramelized Pork and Apples (Printer-Friendly Version)
Tender pork cubes cooked with sweet caramelized apples and a savory sauce for a warm, flavorful dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pork
01 -
1.5 lb pork tenderloin, cubed
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, minced
19 -
0.75 tsp cornstarch
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a bowl, evenly season pork cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cinnamon; toss to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle cornstarch over pork and gently toss again, shaking off excess.
02 -
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
03 -
Melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon; cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
04 -
Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk until cornstarch is fully dissolved.
05 -
Return pork to skillet, add caramelized apples, and pour sauce over. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 2–3 minutes.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Ensure skillet is hot before adding pork to achieve proper browning and retain tenderness.
02 -
Use crisp apple varieties such as Gala or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during cooking.
03 -
Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth to thin or a cornstarch slurry to thicken as needed.