These juicy grilled pork chops are packed with flavor, thanks to a sweet and spicy peach glaze that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners.
I love how the sweetness of the peaches balances the savory pork. It’s like a party on your plate! 🍑 Plus, they grill up in no time, so you can enjoy your meal without waiting too long.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are fantastic for juiciness and flavor. If you have boneless chops, that works too! Just be mindful of cooking time, as they cook a bit faster.
Olive Oil: A must for marinating. You can easily swap it with canola or avocado oil if you want a neutral flavor or don’t have olive oil on hand.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder give great depth. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic or onion for a stronger flavor. Smoked paprika is key for that smoky taste, but regular paprika will do in a pinch.
Peach Preserves: This is the star of the glaze! You can substitute peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves if needed. Just remember, the sweetness levels might change slightly.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. For a milder kick, omit them or try a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Don’t Dry Out on the Grill?
Grilling pork chops to juiciness takes a bit of care. First, marinate them. Letting the chops sit in the seasoning mixture helps lock in moisture. The longer, the better, up to 2 hours!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; a good sear helps keep the juices in.
- Cook the chops about 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid flipping too much!
- Use a meat thermometer: 145°F (63°C) is your goal for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.
Let them rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This step helps the juices settle back into the meat, so don’t skip it!
Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, plus a little extra time for marinating. So, set aside about 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating and 25 minutes for cooking and resting. It’s a total of about 55-85 minutes, depending on how long you let the pork marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by mixing together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub this flavorful mixture over all sides of the pork chops. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if you have more time. This will really enhance the taste of your chops!
2. Making the Spicy Peach Glaze:
While your pork is marinating, we can prepare the spicy peach glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the peach preserves, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Place it over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. Once it’s heated through, take it off the heat and set it aside for later.
3. Grilling the Pork Chops:
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the marinated pork chops to the grill. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and brush generously with the spicy peach glaze. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures that your pork is juicy and perfectly cooked!
4. Applying More Glaze:
In the last minute of cooking, brush the chops with more of that delicious glaze on both sides. This will create a nice sticky finish that makes them even more mouth-watering!
5. Resting and Serving:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them juicy. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch and serve with any remaining glaze on the side. Enjoy your juicy grilled pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be a great alternative! Just adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side, and always check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No problem! You can substitute with apricot preserves or any other fruit preserves like mango or even a mix of your favorite fruits. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or oven until warmed through. You can brush some additional glaze on top to enhance the flavors!
Can I Make the Glaze Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or even add a dash of hot sauce directly to the glaze. Just remember to taste as you go to ensure it’s to your liking!
