Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious recipe for Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Cider Vinegar Glaze. This mouthwatering dish combines the savory flavors of tender grilled pork chops with a tangy and slightly sweet glaze made from apple cider vinegar. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Follow the step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly cooked pork chops with a delightful glaze that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Get ready to savor every bite of these succulent, flavorful pork chops!

Grilled Pork Chops With Apple Cider Vinegar Glaze

Grilled pork chops with apple cider vinegar glaze is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any outdoor barbecue. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled pork chops with the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinegar glaze, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we will take you through step by step instructions on how to make this tasty dish, from marinating the pork chops to grilling them to perfection. So grab your apron and let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

Before we start grilling, let’s gather all the ingredients we will need for this recipe:

• Pork Chops: You will need thick-cut pork chops for this recipe, as they are best suited for grilling.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The star ingredient of the glaze, apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: To balance out the acidity of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness, we will be using brown sugar in the glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard brings a subtle yet distinctive flavor to the glaze.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spiciness to the pork chops.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the pork chops with a savory and aromatic flavor.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky and slightly spicy taste to the dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is required for marinating the pork chops and greasing the grill.
• Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves are sprinkled on the pork chops for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the first step: marinating the pork chops.

Marinating the Pork Chops

Preparing the Marinade

To infuse the pork chops with flavor, we will prepare a delicious marinade. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.

Marinating the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are fully coated. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring even distribution. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it even more tender and flavorful.

Preparing and Preheating the Grill

Prepping the Grill

While the pork chops are marinating, it’s time to prepare the grill. Clean the grill grates thoroughly to remove any residue from previous use. This ensures that the pork chops won’t stick to the grates while grilling. Also, check the gas or charcoal supply and make sure you have enough fuel for the grilling process.

Preheating the Grill

Before you start grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the pork chops cook evenly and develop a beautiful sear on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The ideal temperature for grilling pork chops is around 400°F (200°C). Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes before placing the pork chops on the grates.

Now that the grill is ready, it’s time to move on to the main event – grilling the pork chops!

Grilling the Pork Chops

Taking out the Marinated Pork Chops

Remove the marinated pork chops from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the meat to cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.

Grilling the Pork Chops

Brush the grill grates with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent the pork chops from sticking. Place the pork chops on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill the first side of the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes, or until they develop a caramelized crust. Flip the pork chops and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until they reach your desired level of doneness.

To ensure that the pork chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare pork chops, the thermometer should read 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your pork chops more well-done, cook them until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Preparing the Glaze

Combining Apple Cider Vinegar and Brown Sugar

While the pork chops are grilling, it’s time to prepare the apple cider vinegar glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar has dissolved completely.

Adding Dijon Mustard and Seasoning

Once the brown sugar has dissolved, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Whisk the mustard into the mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Season the glaze with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

Simmering the Glaze

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the glaze to a simmer. Allow the glaze to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the glaze from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. The glaze should have a syrupy consistency and coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

Glazing the Pork Chops

Applying the Glaze on the Grilled Pork Chops

Once the pork chops are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a clean plate. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously apply the apple cider vinegar glaze on one side of the pork chops. Make sure to cover the entire surface with the glaze to enhance the flavor.

Turning and Applying More Glaze

Flip the pork chops over and glaze the other side in the same manner. Repeat this process once more, flipping the pork chops and glazing each side a second time to ensure a thick and flavorful coating. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness to the perfectly grilled pork chops, elevating the taste to a whole new level.

Resting and Serving

Letting the Pork Chops Rest

After glazing the pork chops, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and succulent pork chops.

Garnishing and Serving the Grilled Pork Chops

Before serving, garnish the grilled pork chops with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and added herbaceous flavor. Serve the pork chops alongside your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. The combination of the perfectly grilled pork chops and the tangy apple cider vinegar glaze is sure to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue gathering.

Tips

Choose Thick Pork Chops for Grilling

To ensure juicy and tender pork chops, it’s best to choose thick-cut chops. Thinner chops tend to cook faster and are more likely to dry out on the grill.

Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness

The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Keep a close eye on them while grilling and adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Accurate Doneness

To ensure that the pork chops are cooked to the correct internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. This guarantees that they are safe to eat and helps you achieve your desired level of doneness.

Allow the Glaze to Thicken for a Richer Flavor

Simmering the glaze for a few minutes allows it to thicken, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on the consistency of the glaze to prevent it from becoming too thick or too thin.

Variations

Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar with Other Flavors

If you’re not a fan of apple cider vinegar, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. Each vinegar will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

Experiment with Different Herbs and Spices in the Marinade

Feel free to get creative with the marinade by adding different herbs and spices. Fresh rosemary, oregano, or cayenne pepper can add an extra dimension of flavor to the pork chops.

Add a Touch of Honey to the Glaze for Sweetness

For those who prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the apple cider vinegar glaze. The honey will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and create a delicious sweet and savory combination.

FAQs

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops for this recipe. However, bone-in pork chops tend to have better flavor and are less likely to dry out during grilling.

What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still add a nice tang to the glaze.

How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?

For maximum flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours. However, if you have the time, marinating them overnight will result in a more tender and flavorful end result.

Can I Grill the Pork Chops on a Stovetop Grill Pan?

Yes, if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan instead. Make sure to preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the grilling instructions as outlined above.

With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to make delicious grilled pork chops with apple cider vinegar glaze. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want to enjoy a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible combination of smoky grilled pork chops and tangy-sweet glaze. Bon appétit!