These juicy grilled pork chops are a real treat! With a sweet and spicy peach glaze, they offer a tasty twist that’ll make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a summer barbecue!
Trust me, the smoky flavor from the grill mixed with that sweet glaze is simply irresistible! I love serving these with a little extra peach sauce on top—just makes it even yummier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for grilling as the bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops or even pork tenderloin would work well too.
Peach Preserves: This is the star ingredient for the glaze! If you don’t have peach preserves, feel free to substitute with apricot or mango preserves for a different sweet twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the glaze. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can also work in a pinch, just adjust to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: They add the spicy kick to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip them or use a pinch of smoked paprika instead for a subtle heat.
Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme elevates the dish. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but fresh truly enhances the flavor!
How Do I Grill the Perfect Pork Chops?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with the right approach, you’ll have juicy results! Start by seasoning and marinating them well to infuse flavor. The key is to maintain proper heat on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high before cooking.
- Pat the pork chops dry and season them generously to help create a nice crust.
- Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side before flipping to ensure they’re nicely seared.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 145°F (63°C).
- Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices inside!
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)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh peach slices
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes of marinating time. After that, grilling will take around 15 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 55 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with some paper towels. This helps them get a nice grill mark. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper to add flavor.
2. Marinate:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. Rub this tasty mixture all over the pork chops. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors—if you have time, letting them sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will make them even tastier.
3. Make the Glaze:
While the pork chops are marinating, let’s make the spicy peach glaze! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed and heated through, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set the glaze aside—we’ll use it soon!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Place the marinated pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Once they’re nicely seared, flip them over and brush one side generously with the spicy peach glaze. Continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Glaze the Other Side:
Now, flip the chops again for one last time! Brush the other side with more glaze and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize that sweet glaze. This adds a delicious layer of flavor and color.
6. Rest the Chops:
Once they’re done grilling, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps keep the chops juicy and flavorful.
7. Serve:
Finally, serve your delicious grilled pork chops on a nice platter. Drizzle any remaining spicy peach glaze over the top. Don’t forget to add some fresh peach slices and herbs for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as boneless chops generally cook faster—about 3-4 minutes per side should be sufficient until they reach 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No worries! You can substitute peach preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or mango for a similar sweet flavor. You can also use a homemade mixture of fresh peach puree and sugar cooked down in a saucepan!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Reduce the Spice Level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder glaze, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also balance the heat by adding a little more peach preserves for extra sweetness!
