These pork chops with stone fruit slaw are the perfect pork and fruit combo for the summer.
Once in a while, I attempt to make pork chops without some kind of fruit concoction to go with them. It’s possible, I’ve done it. It’s fine. But I’m never quite as satisfied as when I have that classic combination of pork chops and fruit. Of course apple sauce is the most classic example, and one of my favorites. It is my go-to during the late fall and winter months, when apples and pears are where it’s at.
But I’m 100% anti-apple in the summer. I know, it sounds harsh, but hear me out:
First of all, they’re a fall crop. Those apples you see in stores in July? They’ve either been stored for damn near a year, or shipped from far far away. I’m not being an “eat local” snob here, really. I’m being a good old fashioned food snob. I have bitten into apples that I picked myself, and I have bitten into apples that are on supermarket shelves in July. They are two very different things. And yes, apple sauce that is jarred when the apples are in season is still delicious in July. But it’s the summer, and I LOVE summer fruit. I’m not wasting any fruit consumption on apples until it’s Autumn, and that’s that.
The slaw that tops these thick, juicy, bone-in pork chops is simple to prepare, and good practice for improving your knife skills. To get even matchstick cuts from the stone fruit, slice 1/8 inch slices from barely ripe fruit, stack them, and slice 1/8 inch slices across. Make sure, as always, that your knife is sharp!
Grilled Pork Chops with Stone Fruit Slaw
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Grilled Pork Chops with Stone Fruit Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: pork
- Method: grill / sear
Ingredients
For the Chops:
4 bone-in pork chops, about 1–1.5 inches thick
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
For the Slaw:
1 pound assorted firm stone fruit (peaches, plums, apricots, etc)
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or to taste, this amount will give it a good kick)
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon lime juice
pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and remove your pork chops from the fridge.
- Combine the teaspoon of salt, cumin, coriander and paprika in a small bowl and stir to combine
- Divide the spice rub among the chops, making sure to coat both sides.
- Grill chops for about 5 minutes on each side, or until almost cooked through.
Alternately, if you don’t have a grill, Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your preferred cooking fat (lard would be a good choice here) Sear the chops for 5 minutes on each side, or until almost cooked through. - Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil, allowing them to rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the slaw: Julienne fruit and place in a medium bowl. Mix in the chipotle powder, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Serve the chops topped with the slaw, or alongside for guests to help themselves
Notes
I love the simplicity of this slaw, especially when stone fruit is at it’s very best. But feel free to add sliced green onions, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, or other spices if you wish.
Keywords: pork chops, pork chops with stone fruit
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Adam Parks says
The picture of the ingredients is genius! Talk about making a recipe relatable to the home cook….I’m will apologize ahead of time for stealing the idea, consider it a huge compliment!
Bonnie Sanders says
Genuis, Stone Fruit Slaw. Can’t wait to try it. Pinning it now! Thanks!
Teri says
I can’t wait to make and eat this!
Laurie Haddon says
Thank you! I cannot wait to try this!
Donna says
MAGNIFIQUE….as is consistently the case regarding your offerings!..Alas…my knives are QUITE dull…but I have an uber-sharp new mandolin with multiple blades…could I possibly do your stone-fruit slaw using this contraption?….Also, I wanted to note and thank you for the clarity in your direction/tutorials…and the instructive, as well as beautiful images…They help more than you know….and stimulate me to actually MAKE your recipes…as opposed to so many other blogs where I “think” about it …but the vagueness eventually leaves me skipping the culinary attempt.
zenbellyblog says
Thanks so much Donna! You’re so sweet. A mandoline is a great option! I’ve actually used one to make this in the past, but didn’t think of including it as an option here. I will edit the post accordingly…
Thanks again for the kind words, it’s really so nice to hear that my recipes are appreciated!
Donna says
Reporting back was a necessity!….This was AMAZING…..The dry rub…the colorful and succulent slaw….My family simply devoured this dish…All I can say to your people…is MAKE THIS NOW and close any other tabs featuring grilled pork chops. You have found your recipe. Perfect summer fare highlighted by Zenbelly savor-faire. Thank you ever so kindly.
zenbellyblog says
🙂
Jen says
I loved this. We had boneless pork, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The slaw was a bit spicy for my 3 year old, but that’s not your target audience, of course! We paired it with some asparagus with the spice rub on top. Seriously delicious. Thank you!
zenbellyblog says
I added a note in the ingredients list to add chipotle to taste; the heat can be optional. I’m a big advocate of parents only having to cook one meal for the family! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
SusW says
Loved this! Perfect for height of stone fruit season … simple, delicious, perfection! Thank you.
SusW says
PS Made the pork meatballs last night and those were perfection too! You’re my go-to recipe blog. Cannot thank you enough.
zenbellyblog says
Thanks so much Sue! I’m flattered 🙂
Lee Ann Kaplan says
I think some fresh mint in the slaw would be delicious or even fresh basil. We are making these for dinner tonight!
Joan Wilkins says
http://www.usapple.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=162&Itemid=17
It depends on the apple. Good recipe, but for all the wonderful effort you put into your website, some fast research should be in order about your ingredient(s).
Of course some of the best apples are only available during the fall, but there are some summer apples that are just fine.
zenbellyblog says
Okay, Joan. Where I live, there aren’t any good apples available in the summer. I’ll make sure to do more research with all of that spare time I have.
Rachael says
Real husband pleaser even without the slaw.
Suzette R. says
Made these tonight on our new Traeger and OMG they were AMAZING! Came together SUPER fast with bright, earthy flavors that balanced beautifully with the stone fruit slaw. YUM!!! Didn’t apply any subs – perfect as is! Great weeknight or easy weekend meal!
zenbelly says
Thanks, Suzette, so glad to hear it. Enjoy that new grill!
Cheri Kemp says
Would LOVE to try this, but I can’t find the “print recipe” button. (I know I sound old, but I just don’t like touching screens when I’m cooking)
zenbelly says
Hi Cheri,
Some of my recipes didn’t get converted to recipe cards (which makes them printable) when I installed them, so I’m going through and updating them one by one. This one is on my list and will be done this week.