There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen as the leaves start to turn. My Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet has been our family’s go-to autumn dinner since my oldest was in preschool – it’s that perfect blend of sweet and savory that makes everyone come running to the table. What I love most (besides the delicious flavor) is how everything comes together in one skillet – less cleanup means more time for those cozy fall evenings we all crave this time of year.
This dish captures everything wonderful about the season in about 25 minutes flat. The pork gets beautifully caramelized, the apples stay just firm enough, and those toasted walnuts add the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is honestly so simple to throw together, even after a long day of pumpkin picking or leaf raking. Trust me, once you try this combination of flavors, it’ll become part of your fall tradition too.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
This isn’t just another skillet dinner – it’s your new secret weapon for those nights when you want something special without the fuss. Let me tell you why this recipe never leaves my fall rotation:
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat – that’s my kind of weeknight magic! One skillet means minimal cleanup (who has time for a mountain of dishes?), and the simple steps make it foolproof. Last Thursday, I threw this together while helping with homework – now that’s what I call a multitasking win!
Seasonal Flavors in Every Bite
The moment those apples hit the warm skillet with the cinnamon, your kitchen will smell like autumn bottled up. The sweet-tart apples play perfectly against the savory pork, while those toasted walnuts add this incredible crunch that makes every forkful interesting. It’s like eating the essence of fall – cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this dish – here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (trim any silver skin first)
- 2 medium firm apples (I prefer Honeycrisp), sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped to about 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff!)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly opened for best flavor)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey (local if you can get it)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with the “mother” for extra tang)
Pro tip: Measure everything before you start cooking – this recipe moves fast once the skillet gets hot!
How to Make Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet comes together so easily, but I’ve got a few tricks to make sure yours turns out perfect every time. Follow these steps and you’ll have dinner ready before the autumn sunset!
Browning the Pork
First things first – heat your trusty skillet over medium heat (that’s about 350°F if you’re using a thermometer) for a good minute before adding that golden extra virgin olive oil. Now, add your pork cubes in a single layer – don’t crowd them! We want that beautiful browning, not steaming. Set a timer for 5 minutes and resist the urge to poke at them too much. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn that perfect caramel color and the juices start to run clear.
Combining the Fall Flavors
Here’s where the magic happens! Toss in those gorgeous apple slices, toasted walnuts, and spices. I like to stir everything gently with a wooden spoon – just enough to coat but not so much that the apples break apart (we want those pretty slices intact!). When you catch that first whiff of cinnamon meeting apples, you’ll know you’re on the right track. Drizzle in the honey and vinegar, give it one more careful stir, and let everything mingle for another 2-3 minutes until the apples are just tender but still have some bite. Oh, and don’t forget to taste – sometimes I add an extra pinch of cinnamon if I’m feeling extra cozy!
Expert Tips for the Best Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
After a decade of perfecting skillet meals, here are my can’t-miss tips for this recipe:
- Apple selection is key – Grab firm Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples that hold their shape. Soft varieties turn to mush in the skillet!
- Toast those walnuts first – Just 5 minutes in a dry pan brings out their natural oils and adds incredible depth.
- Mind the heat – If your pork is browning too fast, don’t be afraid to lower the heat slightly. Better slow and steady than burnt!
- Taste as you go – The honey amount is flexible – I often add an extra drizzle at the end if my apples are extra tart.
Trust me, these small touches make all the difference between good and “wow, can we have this again tomorrow?”
Ingredient Substitutions
Not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand, and that’s okay! Here are my go-to swaps for this Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet:
- Pecans for walnuts – They bring a similar crunch with a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Maple syrup for honey – Same sweetness with that classic autumn vibe.
- Chicken for pork – Just adjust cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
One thing I wouldn’t change? The apples! Stick with firm varieties – soft ones turn to mush in the skillet. Trust me, it’s worth the extra trip to the store!
Serving Suggestions for Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
This dish practically begs to be paired with other fall favorites! I love serving my Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet over wild rice – the nutty flavor soaks up those delicious pan juices beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic make another perfect side. For a pretty finish, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top right before serving – the herbal note cuts through the richness just right!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s my foolproof method for keeping leftovers just as tasty as the first night: pack any extra Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet in an airtight container – it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, I add a teaspoon of water to the skillet first (keeps everything nice and moist) and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Pro tip: The apples soften a bit more when reheated, but those flavors just get more cozy together!
Nutrition Information
These nutrition values are estimates per serving, but here’s the breakdown for my Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet: around 320 calories, 22g protein, 20g carbs, and 18g fat. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQs About Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this cozy skillet meal:
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully – just add an extra 2-3 minutes cooking time since they’re a bit thicker. The apples and walnuts pair just as nicely with poultry.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
For the freshest texture, I recommend cooking right before serving. But you can chop everything in advance – keep the apples in lemon water to prevent browning, and store pork separately in the fridge.
Any vegan alternatives?
Try firm tofu cubes (patted super dry!) instead of pork, and swap honey for maple syrup. You’ll miss the caramelization but still get those amazing fall flavors. Just go easy on cooking time – tofu browns faster!
For more delicious recipes, check out our posts. You can also find inspiration on Pinterest.
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25-Minute Fall Harvest Apple & Walnut Pork Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender pork, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for a fall meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cubed
- 2 medium apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add pork cubes and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in apples, walnuts, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Drizzle honey and apple cider vinegar over the mixture. Stir well.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
- Toast walnuts beforehand for extra crunch.
- Adjust honey to taste for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: fall harvest, apple walnut pork, skillet dinner, easy pork recipe