• Prep Time: 8 minutes 
• Marinate Time (Vacuum Sealed): 20 minutes 
• Sear & Glaze Time: 8 minutes 
• Total Time: About 36 minutes 
• Servings: 2 
• Time Saved: 20 mins vacuum marinate vs. 6–8 hrs traditional (95% faster) 

Ingredients List (2 Servings)

• Pork Chops: 2 chops (~400g / 14 oz)

  • Notes: ~1 inch (2–2.5 cm) thick, bone-in or boneless.

• Apple Cider / Juice: 3 tbsp (45 ml)

  • Notes: Unsweetened, natural acidity tenderizes the meat.

• Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp (12 g)

  • Notes: Adds rich caramelization and deep color when seared.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml)

  • Notes: Adds a subtle tanginess to cut through richness.

• Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp (5 g)

  • Notes: Classic American flavor builder providing depth.

• Garlic Powder / Salt / Pepper: 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Black Pepper

  • Notes: Basic savory seasoning.

• Cooking Oil: 1 tbsp

• • Notes: High smoke-point oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil).

🍳 4-Step Cooking Recipe

1. Preparation & Mixing (5 Minutes): Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 small incisions in the fat cap to keep it from curling during cooking. In a mixing bowl, blend the apple cider, brown sugar, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Vacuum Packing & Marinating (20 Minutes): Add the pork chops and marinade into a vacuum bag. Then vacuum pack the food (with Moist option if there is one). Let the chops marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Sear (8 Minutes): Heat up 1 tbsp of oil in a thick skillet to a high temperature. Remove the chops from the vacuum bag, slightly pat them and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
4. Rest & Make Glaze (3 Minutes): Let the pork chops rest for 3 minutes. Strain the marinade from the vacuum bag into a hot skillet. Cook it for 1 minute and make a glaze. Pour it over the chops!

Science of Vacuum Packing For Marinades

If the pork chops are vacuum packed along with the liquid, the negative pressure will open up the muscle tissues and will remove the small air bubbles. Consequently, the apple cider marinade will penetrate to the heart of the pork chops in just 20 minutes.

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)