German meet Chops with Sauerkraut

 

*Serves 2-3*

*Ingredients:*

– Bone-in meet chops – 2 large, thick cut (1 to 1.5 inch thick)

– Sauerkraut – 2 cups, drained (don’t rinse, keep some juice)

– Onion – 1 medium, sliced

– Apple – 1 small, grated or thinly sliced (optional but very German)

– Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

– Brown sugar – 1 tsp

– Caraway seeds – 1/2 tsp (optional)

– Chicken or meet broth – 1/4 cup

– Butter / oil – 2 tbsp

– Salt, black pepper, paprika – to taste

*Method:*

 

1. *Prep chops:* Pat chops dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a little paprika.

2. *Sear:* Heat oil/butter in a heavy pan on medium-high. Sear chops 3-4 mins per side until deep golden brown like in your pic. Take them out and set aside.

3. *Cook sauerkraut:* In same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook 2 mins. Add sauerkraut, apple, brown sugar, caraway, and broth. Stir and scrape the pan.

4. *Combine:* Place seared chops on top of the sauerkraut. Cover with lid.

5. *Simmer:* Lower heat to low. Cook covered for 20-25 mins until pork is tender and juicy. Internal temp should be 145°F / 63°C.

6. *Finish:* Take lid off, let the juice reduce a bit for 2 mins. Serve chop with a big spoon of sauerkraut on the side.

*Pro tip for crispy crust:* Don’t move the chop for first 3 minutes while searing. That gives you that dark caramelized edge.

Tips to make it perfect 

 

*1. Chop selection:* Use thick, bone-in chops. Thin ones get dry fast. If you can, get ones with fat cap on edge — that fat crisps up and gives flavor.

 

*2. Don’t rinse sauerkraut too much:* Just drain it. That sour juice is the flavor. If it’s too sour for you, rinse only half.

 

*3. For extra juicy chops:*

– Pat them 100% dry with tissue before seasoning, otherwise they won’t brown

– Don’t press them with spoon while cooking

– Let them rest 5 mins after cooking

 

*4. Balance the sour:* The classic German trick is 1 tsp brown sugar + 1 small grated apple in the sauerkraut. It doesn’t make it sweet, just cuts the sharp sourness.

*5. No caraway?* Use a pinch of black pepper + cumin. Very close.

 

Don’t overcook — that’s why most mutton chops get tough.