These juicy grilled pork chops are a true treat! With a sweet and spicy peach glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance, they’re perfect for a summer BBQ or any night you want something special.
Honestly, who would have thought that peaches and pork could be such great pals? I love serving these with a fresh salad for a tasty meal! 🍑🍖 Enjoy every bite, because they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are ideal for grilling as the bone adds flavor and keeps them juicy. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops will also work. They might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on those!
Peach Preserves: This gives the glaze its fruity flavor. If fresh peaches are in season, you could make your own preserves or substitute with apricot or fig preserves for a different twist!
Spices: The smoked paprika adds a nice warmth and depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will suffice, though it won’t be quite as rich. For more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance!
Dijon Mustard: It adds a tangy kick to the glaze. If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard can be a good last-minute swap; it’ll change the flavor a bit, but still be tasty!
How Do I Grill Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling can dry out pork chops quickly if not done right, but there are ways to keep them juicy. It’s all about cooking at the right temperature and not overdoing it!
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This gets a nice sear that locks in juices.
- Use the spice rub and olive oil generously; this helps maintain moisture.
- Cook the first side without flipping to develop a good crust. Wait until they’re easily released from the grill, about 5-7 minutes.
- When you flip them, brush the glaze on immediately. This not only flavors them but also creates a bit of steam that helps with juiciness.
- Finally, let the chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
How to Make 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 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for additional heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to grill. So, you’ll need about 30 minutes in total to have these juicy grilled pork chops ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your pork chops will get that nice sear and juicy interior.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This spicy blend will give the pork chops wonderful flavor.
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and rub them all over with the olive oil. Then, take the spice mixture and coat the chops evenly, making sure they’re well covered with that tasty seasoning.
4. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a saucepan, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want it spicier). Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened—this will take about 5 minutes. Once ready, remove from heat.
5. Grill the Pork Chops:
Now that your grill is hot, place the seasoned pork chops on it. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Look for nice grill marks and ensure they release easily from the grill before flipping.
6. Add the Glaze and Finish Grilling:
Flip the chops over and generously brush them with the spicy peach glaze. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This will keep them juicy and safe to eat!
7. Rest the Chops:
Once cooked, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the pork chops drizzled with any leftover peach glaze on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or any time you crave something delicious.
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but they need to be completely thawed before grilling. The best way to thaw them is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave but be cautious to not start cooking them.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can substitute them with apricot preserves or even a homemade peach salsa. Just remember that using a different fruit will alter the flavor profile slightly, but it can be delicious in its own right!
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re looking to adjust the spice level, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you want it spicier, consider adding more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze before applying it to the pork chops.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes on medium power. If the chops seem dry, a splash of broth or extra glaze can help to moisten them!
