Looking for an easy and delicious keto-friendly meal? Look no further than pork chops and cabbage! This combination is not only satisfying and filling but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're craving a comforting homestyle dish or a quick weeknight dinner, there's a keto pork and cabbage recipe for you.
Why Pork Chops and Cabbage are Perfect for Keto
Pork chops are a great source of protein and healthy fats, while cabbage is a low-carb vegetable packed with nutrients. Together, they make a complete and balanced meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. Plus, both ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making this a budget-friendly option as well.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Cabbage in Mustard Cream Sauce
This recipe is a savory and flavorful dish that you'll want to make again and again. Pan-frying pork chops is one of the easiest and tastiest methods of cooking them, especially when you don't feel like firing up the grill. The mustard cream sauce adds a touch of richness and complexity that elevates the dish to another level.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops (thin or thick, bone-in or boneless)
- Cabbage
- Onion
- Heavy whipping cream
- Dijon mustard
- Butter
- Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the pork chops: Season the pork chops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Sear the pork chops: Heat a 12-inch pan on medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the hot pan. Place pork chops into the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until fully browned. Flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is browned. Remove the chops to a serving plate, leaving behind any fat they may have rendered. Cover with foil and set aside. Checking the doneness of your Pan Fried Pork Chops is incredibly important for food safety. The amount of time that you cook your pork chops is directly impacted by how thick the cut of your chop is.
- Sauté the onion and cabbage: While the pork chops brown, cut the onion and cabbage into a large dice. Add the onions to the pan and stir until they're coated with the fat. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of oil at this point. Once the onions are translucent, add cabbage and stir. Season the cabbage with 1/2 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is tender, but not mushy. Add the tablespoon of butter and toss. Remove the cabbage to a serving dish.
- Make the mustard cream sauce: To the pan, add ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mustard has been incorporated. Slowly add in lemon juice stirring all the while.
- Combine and simmer: Add in the pork chops into the sauce. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken, using the sauce to baste the pork chops from time to time. After about 3-4 minutes, the sauce will have thickened.
- Serve: Put the pork chops in a serving dish. You can either drizzle the sauce over the chops, or serve it separately.
Tips and Variations:
- Pork Chop Thickness: If you use thick pork chops, you will need to cook them longer. Use a meat thermometer to tell when the pork chops are done. With all the gravy on them, you won't be able to tell just by looking at the color of the meat.
- Bone-in or Boneless: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. It comes out delicious either way!
- Mustard: The sauce tastes complex, but not overly mustard-y. So you can definitely try this even if you aren't a mustard fan. Definitely reach for the imported variety and get the whole grain one too. But never overlook a house brand. This comes with some trial and error but the best tasting smooth dijon I tasted is that big box store that begins with a “W’s” house brand.
- Butter: Yes, it’s optional, but I encourage you to use it. The secret to many great restaurant dishes is the addition of bits of butter in a sauce. Butter seems to meld all flavors together wonderfully.
Cajun Pork Chops and Cabbage Skillet
For a spicier option, try this Cajun-inspired pork and cabbage skillet. The homemade Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful kick that will wake up your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Cabbage
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season the pork chops: Mix the cajun spice rub together in a small bowl. Rub the mix generously on each side of the pork chops, set them aside.
- Sear the pork chops: Heat a 12 inch skillet (cast iron preferably) and one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the pork chops 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and the spice mix has formed a flavorful crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the cabbage: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add one tablespoon of butter, minced garlic and three cups of chopped cabbage to the skillet. The skillet will be quite full so lightly stir but allow the cabbage to reduce a bit, usually 3-4 minutes. Then add the broth, salt and pepper to taste and stir well. Allow the cabbage to cook, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes. When it has reduce and become tender add one tablespoon of butter, stir and top with the Cajun pork chops. Place a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
Keto Pork and Cabbage Skillet with Ginger-Mustard Sauce
This recipe features a flavorful ginger-mustard sauce that perfectly complements the pork and cabbage. It's a quick and easy one-pan meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- Boneless pork chops
- Green cabbage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Butter
- Apple cider vinegar
- Keto brown sugar (such as Swerve)
- Dijon mustard
- Tamari (or coconut aminos)
- Smoked paprika
- Caraway seeds
- Chicken broth
- Avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the Pork: In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add avocado oil. When hot, add pork and season evenly with salt and pepper. Saute until just cooked through. Remove pork to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Decrease heat to medium. Add onions to skillet and saute until onions start to soften, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger during last minute.
- Make the Sauce: Add butter and stir until melted. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, tamari, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds. Stir to combine.
- Cook Cabbage: Add cabbage and stir to combine. Pour broth over cabbage.
- Combine and Simmer: Increase heat to medium high. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pork to skillet and stir to combine. Decrease heat to medium.
Additional Tips for Keto Pork Chops and Cabbage
- Don't overcook the pork: Dry pork chops are a common complaint. To prevent this, avoid overcooking the pork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
- Marinate for extra flavor: If you have time, marinating the pork chops before cooking can add extra flavor and tenderness.
- Add bacon for extra flavor: Topping pork chops with bacon is pretty tasty!
- Serve with a side salad: Since this is such a creamy and rich recipe, you will want to serve something light on the side with it. Make the copycat Olive Garden salad. It has lots of the same spices and flavors. Then you just need to add another veggie to the side. Another option is to serve this with a side of cauliflower rice or with a side of cooked or roasted vegetables.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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