Pan-Roasted Pork Chops with Vodka Applesauce Today’s mainstream pork is very lean, so it can dry out very quickly as it cooks. The trick to tender pork chops that stay moist and juicy is a simple two-step cooking method. Begin cooking with high heat, then finish, covered, with low heat. Pork always goes well with apples so a batch of savoury applesauce with a twist will complete your feast!