Ah yes—German-style sauerkraut with pork chops is a classic hearty meal! 🍖🥬 Tangy sauerkraut paired with juicy pork chops, often with onions, apples, and a touch of spice. Here’s a straightforward recipe:
German-Style Kraut with Pork Chops
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 apple, peeled and sliced (optional, adds sweetness)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional flavor)
- 1–2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed lightly
- ½ cup chicken or apple juice (or water)
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Pork Chops
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and apple slices; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in caraway seeds if using.
3. Add Sauerkraut
- Add sauerkraut and mix with the onion-apple mixture.
- Pour in chicken or apple juice and sprinkle brown sugar over the top (if using).
- Stir to combine.
4. Simmer Everything Together
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the kraut.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes until pork chops are cooked through (internal temp ~145°F / 63°C).
- Taste kraut and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve
- Serve pork chops with kraut on the side, optionally with boiled potatoes, spaetzle, or rye bread.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain and rinse sauerkraut lightly if it’s very sour—you can control the tanginess.
- Use bone-in pork chops for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Optional: add a splash of apple cider or white wine for extra depth.
If you want, I can give a “slow-cooker version” of this recipe where the pork chops turn fall-off-the-bone tender and the kraut is perfectly infused with flavor—practically effortless.
Do you want me to do that?
