These smothered pork chops made with cashew cream instead of dairy are the perfectc cold weather comfort food! The sauce is made with sweet caramelized onions, flavorful herbs, and a smooth and luscious cashew cream that is 100% dairy free. An ideal cozy dinner that will warm you up from the inside out. Recipe is gluten free, dairy free, whole30 compatible, and paleo friendly, and a cashew free alternative is included in the recipe card!
The best dairy free smothered pork chops
Being from Wisconsin and growing up in my Grandma’s kitchen, smothered pork chops (and other comfort foods of the sort) made a regular appearance on the dinner table.
And while while I will always have a soft spot in my heart for her recipes, I know prefer to swap out the dairy and gluten with some alternatives.
That’s why I’ve spent years perfecting this dairy free smothered pork chop recipe made with cashew cream. It’s one I reach for anytime I feel like I need a hug on a plate.
It never fails to leave us feeling warm and fuzzy with each creamy, flavor packed bite!
Recipe testing notes
Dry brining
Pork is a protein that can easily turn dry if even slightly overcooked.
My favorite way to insure against that happening is to dry brine my pork chops!
It’s not 100% necessary if you’re short on time, but I highly recommend it if you can plan this meal a bit in advance.
By dry brining you’re allowing the salt to integrate into the meat proteins and loosen the protein structure. This step creates a more moist and juicy end result, and encourages a better sear when browning for deeper umami rich flavor.
Overnight is ideal, but even 30 minutes is enough to yield juicier pork chops!
Using cashew cream instead of other dairy free alternatives
If you take some time to browse through some of the other recipes in the NK catalog you’ll notice that I primarily use cashew cream as a dairy substitute instead of other alternatives. You can see all of my recipes featuring cashews here!
This is because (through trial and error), I have found it has the most neutral flavor and the best creamy texture.
It thickens up nicely when simmered into a sauce, soup, or pasta, and is relatively easy to make as long as you have a blender on hand in your kitchen.
Can’t have cashews?
No problem! I’ve included a cashew free alternative in the recipe card using macadamia nuts and sunflower seed butter.
You can make the recipe as written and just swap those ingredients with the given measurements for the cashews.
Why you’ll love this dairy free pork chop recipe
These smothered pork chops are:
- SO creamy
- Comforting
- Filling
- Savory
- Delicious
- Dairy free, gluten free, and whole30 compatible!
For more comfort food favorites be sure to check out our recipes for Classic GF Meatloaf, Dairy Free Shepherd’s Pie Soup, Dairy Free + Nut Free Mac and Cheese, and Gluten Free Meatballs!
Ingredients
This recipe relies mainly on 2 things to maximize flavor:
- Caramelization of the pork chops and onions in the skillet.
- Flavor boosting ingredients like all purpose seasoning, nutritional yeast, and coconut aminos.
Both of these things bring some serious mouthwatering UMAMI flavor to this dish that you do not want to miss out on.
The creamy gravy is pretty straightforward to make, but if you wanted to take it up a notch you could caramelize some mushrooms with the onions for something a little *extra*.
(If you’re already ready to get started, scroll all the way down to the bottom for the full recipe!)
Here’s exactly what you need to make these dairy free smothered pork chops:
- 4 thick cut bone in pork chops – You could also make this recipe with boneless pork chops, but I prefer bone-in for more flavor and meat that is more tender. If you decide to use boneless pork chops you should be able to cut the cooking time by half. The same can be said if you opt for thin cut bone in pork chops.
- Raw cashews – Raw cashews are what makes the sauce super c-r-e-a-m-y without adding a smidge of dairy.
- Onion – The caramelization of onion starts as the base for a super flavorful sauce.
- Broth – Really any type of good tasting broth will work – chicken, beef, mushroom, or veggie are all good options!
- Garlic
- Nutritional yeast – If you don’t have access to nutritional yeast you can substitute with equal parts miso, or add an additional tablespoon of coconut aminos.
- Coconut aminos – Could substitute with gluten free soy sauce (tamari) but then the recipe will no longer be whole30 / paleo.
- All purpose seasoning
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Salt + pepper
- Parsley to garnish the dish
Many of the pantry friendly ingredients can be found on Thrive Market – a membership based natural products website that is like a Whole Foods or Costco but entirely based online and with the BEST wholesale prices.
I have been a Thrive Market member for 4 years and over that period of time I have saved a projected $3,892.75! That is some serious savings.
How to make dairy free smothered pork chops
This pork chop recipe is made on the stove top with a few simple kitchen tools like your favorite cutting board, knife, high speed blender, and a large skillet with a lid.
If you have a few hours or plan a day in advance, dry brining the pork chops results in the juiciest meat. But don’t worry if you don’t have the time for that, the recipe will still be delicious even without an extended dry brine.
Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Dry brine the pork chops
For the juiciest pork, you’ll want to season pork chops with about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt per chop. Move to the refrigerator to dry brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
If you don’t have time for this step no worries, just season with salt before you move to step 2.
Step 2: Cook the pork chops
If you have seasoned the pork chops in advance with salt, remove them from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature while you gather and prep the rest of the ingredients for the recipe.
Once ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium high heat in a large skillet until oil is shimmering.
Pat pork chops very dry with paper towels. Cook, in two batches if they’re too big to fit in the pan without crowding, for about 3-4 minutes per side – until golden brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to caramelize – about 5 minutes.
While onions are cooking drain and rinse cashews. Add them to a blender along with broth and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
When onions are nicely caramelized, add chopped garlic, nutritional yeast, pinch of cayenne, all purpose seasoning, coconut aminos, and thyme. Cook, stirring, for about a minute or so, until you can smell the spices.
Add broth and cashew mixture to the pan and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where the flavor lives! Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly until sauce coats a spoon – about 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt if needed.
Step 4: Finish cooking the pork chops
Add pork chops back to the pan along with any juices that have collected on the plate, and turn to coat. Cover and reduce heat to a bare simmer. Cook until pork chops are fully cooked – turning halfway through – about 15-20 minutes more.
Step 5: Serve!
When pork chops are cooked through, top with a scatter of fresh herbs and serve!
What to serve with smothered pork chops
These creamy dairy free pork chops are the perfect hearty dish to serve with other comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Here’s some recipe suggestions that would make a great pairing:
- Mashed potatoes
- Whipped parsnips with fresh herbs
- The creamiest mashed cauliflower
- Twice baked garlic parmesan sweet potato casserole
- 3 Ingredient garlic charred green beans
- Maple chili glazed carrots
- Apple walnut green salad
Substitutions & swaps
- If you prefer boneless pork chops you can easily substitute those for bone in. Keep in mind they will cook a lot faster than bone in pork chops, so you’ll likely be able to reduce the cooking time in the final step.
- If you want to add a little more substance to the sauce try adding a handful of your favorite mushrooms when cooking the onions!
Love this recipe? Here are some other comfort food classics to try!
- The best paleo sloppy joe’s
- Gluten free and vegan mushroom gravy
- Grain free green bean casserole
- Dairy free cauliflower mac and cheese
- Creamy dairy free chicken and cauliflower rice soup
Cashew Cream Smothered Pork Chops – Dairy Free!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These smothered pork chops made with cashew cream instead of dairy are the perfectc cold weather comfort food! The sauce is made with sweet caramelized onions, flavorful herbs, and a smooth and luscious cashew cream that is 100% dairy free. An ideal cozy dinner that will warm you up from the inside out. Recipe is gluten free, dairy free, whole30 compatible, and paleo friendly, and a cashew free alternative is included in the recipe card!
Ingredients
- 4 thick cut bone in pork chops – about 2 pounds worth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt per half pound meat – about 1/2 teaspoon per pork chop
- 1/2 cup raw cashews OR 1/2 cup raw macadamia nuts + 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter
- enough just boiled water to cover the cashews (or macadamia nuts)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 medium sized onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or fresh thyme to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Dry brine pork chops. Evenly season the pork chops with kosher salt and move to the refrigerator in a covered container to dry brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- While the pork chops are resting, soak your cashews. In a heatproof bowl cover cashews with just boiled water. Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes. (If using the cashew substitutes, soak the macadamia nuts the same as you would the cashews).
- Move pork chops to room temperature. When ready to start cooking, remove pork chops from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature while you prep and measure the other ingredients.
- Sear pork chops. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Pat pork chops very dry with paper towels. Sear (in two batches if they’re too big to fit in the pan without overcrowding) for about 3-4 minutes per side – until golden brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until transluscent and starting to caramelize – about 5 minutes.
- Make cashew cream sauce. While onions are cooking drain and rinse cashews. Add to a blender with broth and blend on high until smooth and creamy with no visible pieces of cashew remaining. Set aside. (For cashew cream substitute drain and rinse the macadamia nuts and add the sunflower seed butter to the blender as well).
- Add remaining aromatics and spices. When onions are nicely caramelized, add chopped garlic, nutritional yeast, pinch of cayenne, all purpose seasoning, coconut aminos, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, for about one minute, until spices are aromatic.
- Add blended cashew cream to the pan and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer reduce slightly until sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon – about 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish cooking the pork chops. Add pork chops back to the pan along with any juices that have collected on the plate, and turn to coat. Cover and reduce heat to a bare simmer. Simmer until pork chops are fully cooked, flipping halfway through cook time, for about 15-20 minutes. Cook time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
If you prefer boneless pork chops you can easily substitute those for bone in. Keep in mind they will cook a lot faster than bone in pork chops, so you’ll likely be able to reduce the cooking time in the final step.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: comfort food
Ilene says
Oh my goodness!! These are the BEST chops I’ve ever made!! My husband made a face tonight when I said I was making pork chops because they are always tough and dry. Not tonight! He had seconds and didn’t even take a breath while eating!! hahah Thanks for the best recipe! This is going into my rotation!!
Nyssa Tanner says
Yes!! This review made my day! 🙂 Such a huge compliment, & I’m so glad that you and your husband enjoyed these pork chops. I hope that you continue to enjoy them just as much and that you’ll come back and try more recipes! Happy cooking!! – Nyssa
Julie says
Thank you for this recipe! I am on Day 19 of the Whole30 (my husband is not) and this made such a delicious date night dinner at home for both of us (he loved it)! We served it with roasted broccoli and a simply dressed mixed greens salad. The sauce is so decadent. Yum!
Nyssa Tanner says
Oh that’s wonderful, Julie! So happy you were able to enjoy a meal together that felt special and date night worthy (and love the additions of those sides)! Thanks for sharing, and happy cooking 🙂 – Nyssa