These juicy grilled pork chops are bursting with flavor! The sweet and spicy peach glaze adds a delightful twist that makes every bite irresistible.
Honestly, those peachy vibes are the star! You won’t believe how well they pair with the tender pork. I mean, who can resist a little fruity kick with their dinner? 😋
When I make these, I love serving them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It really balances out that spicy sweetness, and it’s such an easy meal to impress anyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for grilling as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer boneless, just adjust the cooking time since they generally cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. If you’re looking for alternatives, canola or avocado oil also work well.
Spices: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne brings depth and warmth. You can adjust the cayenne for less spice or substitute with a milder paprika if needed.
Peach Preserves: If fresh peaches are in season, you can mash them up with sugar and simmer to create your own glaze! Alternatively, apricot or mango preserves can make a delicious substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tang. White vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but a few key tips can help. First, make sure to pat the chops dry. This helps them get a nice sear. Marination is important, too; letting them sit with spices enhances the flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high; a hot grill gives great marks and seals in juices.
- Cook the first side for 5-6 minutes without moving them. This allows for beautiful grill marks.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This guarantees a juicy chop!
- Let the chops rest for 5 minutes; resting ensures that juices redistribute and keeps them tender.
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)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. Plan for at least 30 minutes to let the pork chops marinate for maximum flavor. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 1 hour to get these delicious grilled pork chops ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the chops. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper generously on both sides. Make sure they’re well-coated! Allow the chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For even more flavor, you can refrigerate them for a few hours if you have the time.
2. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix together the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it starts to simmer and thickens slightly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Taste your glaze and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning and spice level. When it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are spread evenly and covered with white ash to ensure a great cooking temperature.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once your grill is preheated, place the seasoned pork chops onto the grill grates. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks. Then, flip the chops over and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the spicy peach glaze generously over the chops. To ensure they’re cooked perfectly, use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are done cooking, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for extra tenderness. Serve the juicy chops drizzled with the remaining spicy peach glaze for added flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful grilled pork chops with that delightful kick from the spicy peach glaze!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in pork chops work great for grilling, you can also use boneless chops, pork loin, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as thinner cuts will cook faster than thicker ones.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves on hand, you can substitute with apricot preserves or even a mix of mango jam and a bit of fresh peach juice for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the taste by adding a touch more vinegar if needed for tanginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. It helps to brush a little extra glaze over them while reheating to keep them juicy!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The spicy peach glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat when you’re ready to grill, and adjust the seasoning if needed before using.