These juicy grilled pork chops are a tasty delight, topped with a sweet and spicy peach glaze that adds a burst of flavor. They’re sure to impress at any cookout!
I love how the glaze brings a fun twist to the pork chops; it’s like a little BBQ party on your plate! Just grill them up and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are perfect here as the bone adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use boneless loin chops, but watch the cooking time closely so they don’t dry out.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you don’t have any, avocado oil is a good substitute given its high smoke point and mild taste.
Peach Preserves: These give a lovely sweetness. If you want a healthier alternative, you can use homemade peach puree or any other fruit preserves like apricot or cherry. Adjust the sweetness accordingly!
Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite hot sauce for the glaze! If you prefer a milder kick, you can use mild salsa or omit the hot sauce altogether. For more heat, try some chopped fresh jalapeños.
Herbs: Fresh mint or parsley adds a refreshing finish. If you’re out of fresh herbs, feel free to use dried ones, but go easy as they’re more concentrated in flavor. A sprinkle of thyme or basil can work too!
How Do You Get Juicy Pork Chops on the Grill?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve juicy, flavorful results. The key is in the marinade and cooking process.
- Marinate for flavor and tenderness. Even 30 minutes helps, but aim for 2 hours if you can.
- Preheat the grill so the chops sear quickly, locking in juices. Medium-high is ideal.
- Cook each side without flipping too often to develop those nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F.
- Let the chops rest after grilling for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
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 pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
For the Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh peaches, sliced
- Fresh mint or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking the pork chops on the grill will take around 15-20 minutes. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour, including resting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chops:
Rub the marinade evenly over each pork chop. Place the marinated chops in a dish or zip-top bag and let them sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for extra flavor. This is a great time to relax while the flavors soak in!
3. Prepare the Peach Glaze:
While the pork chops are marinating, you can make the peach glaze. In a saucepan, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through and mixed well. Taste and adjust the hot sauce to your liking if you like more heat!
4. Preheat Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This will help give the chops those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear.
5. Grill the Chops:
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated pork chops on it. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip them over. Brush the tops with your delicious peach glaze before cooking for another 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Glaze the Chops:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the other side of the pork chops with the peach glaze. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness!
7. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, garnish with fresh peach slices and chopped mint or parsley if you’d like. Serve with any extra glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious juicy grilled pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster, so check the internal temperature around 5-6 minutes per side to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the peach glaze. Alternatively, you can use a milder hot sauce or even omit it entirely for a sweet peach flavor. For extra heat without changing the balance, consider adding red pepper flakes to the glaze instead!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No problem! You can substitute peach preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or orange for a similar sweetness. If you want to create your own, you can cook down fresh or frozen peaches with a bit of sugar and cook until thickened.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of the peach glaze to keep them moist. Enjoy your leftovers!
