Let’s bring together the delightful flavors of succulent pork chops and vibrant red cabbage! In this pork meal prep recipe, we’ll transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy individuals seeking convenience without compromising on taste. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh produce, you’ll create a meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Tender pork chops, seasoned to perfection with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, are seared to golden perfection, locking in their juicy goodness. Meanwhile, shredded red cabbage is sautéed to tender perfection and infused with the tangy-sweet goodness of balsamic glaze.
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Why You’ll Enjoy This:
- Quick and Easy: This pork meal prep recipe is lightning-fast to whip up, perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a gourmet-worthy meal on the table in no time!
- Budget-Friendly: We’re all about keeping those wallets happy! This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank. It’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the pork chops and loads of vitamins and fiber from the red cabbage, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a satisfying meal that’ll keep you feeling energized and full for hours.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavors: Who says you need to dine out to enjoy gourmet flavors? With the right combination of seasonings and cooking techniques, you can achieve that restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. Say goodbye to bland, boring meals!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This pork meal prep recipe is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time. Cook up a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a convenient way to stay on track with your healthy eating goals, even when life gets busy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork Chops: Pork chops are lean cuts of meat that are rich in protein, making them an excellent choice for those looking to build and maintain muscle while keeping calories in check. They’re also budget-friendly, which is perfect for those who want to eat well without spending a fortune.
- Red Cabbage: Red cabbage is not only vibrant and beautiful, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and anthocyanins. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the pork chops.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor to the pork chops, enhancing their natural richness. It also provides a subtle hint of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet balsamic glaze on the red cabbage.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a pantry staple that adds depth and complexity to any dish. In this recipe, it infuses both the pork chops and the red cabbage with a delicious savory flavor, while also providing numerous health benefits, including immune support and heart health.
- Onion Powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder is a versatile seasoning that adds depth and umami to the dish. It enhances the natural flavors of the pork chops without overpowering them, creating a harmonious balance of taste and aroma.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used both for seasoning the pork chops and sautéing the red cabbage. Plus, it helps to create a beautiful caramelization on the pork chops and the cabbage, adding to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
How to Pan Fry Pork Chops
- First, let’s flavor up those pork chops with our seasoning mix! Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Give it a good mix, then sprinkle it generously over both sides of your pork chops. Don’t be shy with those seasonings!
- Heat up a pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is nice and hot, gently place your seasoned pork chops in the pan. Let them sizzle away for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly juicy chops!
- Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and set them aside. But hold onto that pan – we’re not done yet!
- Add a touch more olive oil to the same pan (let’s not waste those delicious flavors!) and toss in your shredded red cabbage. Sautee it up until it starts to soften, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Now, it’s time to amp up the flavor of our cabbage! Drizzle in the balsamic concentrate and sprinkle in some garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix until the cabbage is evenly coated in that tangy-sweet goodness.
- And voila! We’re ready to plate up this pork meal prep dish. Simply layer those juicy pork chops over a bed of our beautifully caramelized red cabbage, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king (or queen)!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep and Pairing Tips
- Grain Accompaniments: Serve the pork chops and red cabbage over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete and balanced meal.
- Leafy Greens: Pair this dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers dressed with a light vinaigrette for added freshness and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes make excellent side dishes that complement the flavors of the pork chops and red cabbage.
- Applesauce: A dollop of unsweetened applesauce on the side adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory pork chops and tangy red cabbage.
- Protein Options: If pork chops aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cabbage Varieties: While red cabbage adds a pop of color, you can also use green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or Brussels sprouts for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Seasoning Variations: Get creative with your seasonings! Try using smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a Cajun spice blend to switch things up and add a new twist to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-packaged shredded cabbage instead of shredding it myself?
Absolutely! Using pre-packaged shredded cabbage can save you time and effort. Just be sure to check the freshness and quality of the cabbage before using it.
What should I do if my pork chops are thicker than the ones specified in the recipe?
If your pork chops are thicker, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly. You can either sear them for a longer period on each side or finish cooking them in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
I don’t have a balsamic concentrate. Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute regular balsamic vinegar for balsamic concentrate in this recipe. However, you may need to reduce the amount slightly as regular balsamic vinegar is more acidic and has a stronger flavor. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Balsamic Red Cabbage
Equipment
Ingredients
Pork Chop and Seasonings
Red Cabbage and Seasonings
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition