Zees Wine Bar & Grill’s Maple Pecan Pork Chops
Harvest Flavours
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to bring seasonal flavors to your table.
Maple Pecan Pork Chops make a delicious centerpiece for any autumn meal, paired with an Apple Cranberry Relish that adds a bright, fruity contrast. Festive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Recipe compliments of Executive Chef Trevor Gleave from Zees Wine Bar & Grill at The Shaw Club.
Ingredients
Serves 4 people
4 medium Skinless, boneless pork chops
2 tbsp Pure maple syrup
½ cup Panko bread crumbs
¼ cup Pecans, chopped
2 oz Fresh cranberries, about 3 cups
2 medium Crisp sweet apples, cored and quartered (peeling is optional)
1 large Orange, zested (reserve the zest!), peeled, and separated into segments (see note) – or one can of drained mandarin oranges
Zest of one orange, about a tablespoon
¼ to ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a wire rack onto a baking sheet.
- Combine maple syrup, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Combine panko and pecans in a separate bowl.
- Dip flattened pork chops in syrup mixture, then press into panko mixture. Place breaded chops onto the prepared rack. Repeat with remaining pork chops.
- Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into centers reads at least 165°F (74°C), 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pulse the cranberries in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Scrape into a medium bowl. Repeat the processing/chopping with the apples and orange until they are coarsely chopped. Add to the bowl with the cranberries.
- Stir in the orange zest and sugar and mix until the ingredients are well combined. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Wine Pairing – 2022 Château Des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit
We recommend pairing this dish with the 2022 Château des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit, a vibrant and expressive red wine that beautifully complements the rich, seasonal flavors of the Pork Chops.
Its bright acidity and juicy red fruit notes—think cherry, raspberry, and a hint of cranberry—cut through the sweetness of the maple glaze and balance the richness of the pork. The wine’s subtle spice and smooth texture also echo the warmth of the dish, while enhancing the tangy apple cranberry relish with a refreshing lift that makes each bite even more satisfying.
Pairing compliments of the sommeliers at Zees Wine Bar & Grill Restaurant.