Pork with Plum Sauce

01Method

1. 1

   Warm the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the pork chops dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown, roughly 2 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to a plate and set aside.

2. 2

   Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic to the same pan, stirring until just aromatic, about 10–20 seconds. Add the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, then fold in the chopped plums.

3. 3

   Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer until the sauce has thickened and the plums are very tender, about 45 minutes.

4. 4

   Using a potato masher, crush the plums into a smooth, applesauce-like consistency. Return the pork chops to the pan and cook through until no pink remains in the center, 10–15 minutes. An internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 145°F (63°C).