These juicy grilled pork chops are a real treat! Topped with a sweet and spicy peach glaze, they pack a flavorful punch that will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who knew peaches could be so cool on pork? Every bite feels like summer! I love serving these with grilled veggies for a tasty meal that’s fun and easy to make.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are perfect because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you only have boneless, those will work too, but keep an eye on cooking time!
Olive Oil: This is great for marinating as it keeps the meat juicy. If you’re out, feel free to swap with canola or avocado oil for a similar effect.
Peach Preserves: For a twist, you can use apricot or even fig preserves if you can’t find peach. They’ll still bring that sweetness to the glaze.
Dijon Mustard: This gives your glaze a nice zing. If Dijon isn’t on hand, yellow mustard is a decent substitute, though it will be milder.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance! If you want less heat, paprika or even a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping pork chops juicy can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! First, marinate them well. This adds flavor and moisture, so don’t rush this part!
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for better flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). This helps to sear the outside quickly, locking in juices.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Let them rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy chop.
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 paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
For The Peach Glaze:
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh peach slices (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to marinate the pork chops. Allow another 15 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in total, you can expect it to take around 55 minutes to get these juicy grilled pork chops ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the pork chops until they’re well coated. For the best results, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can pop them in the fridge for up to 2 hours to soak up even more flavor.
2. Make the Peach Glaze:
While the pork is marinating, you can whip up the peach glaze. In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine the peach preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together until the mixture is nice and smooth. Keep it on the heat until it’s warmed through, then take it off the stove and set it aside.
3. Preheat the Grill:
It’s time to fire up your grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 375-400°F (190-200°C). This temperature will give your pork chops a nice char without burning them.
4. Grill the Chops:
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the marinated pork chops on it. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. When they’re nice and golden, flip them over, and brush half of the peach glaze on the cooked side. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
5. Glaze After Grilling:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and brush the remaining peach glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Serve:
Let your delicious pork chops rest for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy. If you’d like, garnish with fresh peach slices and herbs before serving. Dig in and enjoy your juicy grilled pork chops with that irresistible spicy peach glaze!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine, but they may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them. Aim for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Glaze?
If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can add more cayenne or even include a pinch of chili powder to kick it up a notch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in an oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or microwave them gently to avoid drying them out.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and coat the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This gives the flavors even more time to meld!
