Award-Winning Citrus-Infused Grilled Pork Chops
Savor the flavor of these award-winning grilled pork chops that promise tender and juicy bites in every serving. Originating from a local newspaper and celebrated at the state fair, this recipe employs a brine infused with aromatic onions and garlic to enhance the natural flavor of the pork. The addition of a zesty orange-horseradish sauce elevates the dish, making it perfect for your next family gathering or summer barbecue. With a marination time of 6 to 12 hours, these chops not only boast a deep flavor profile but also a tender texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
6 (thick-cut)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Garlic
2 (cloves, chopped)
Ground Black Pepper
1 (teaspoon, fresh coarse)
Water
1 (quart)
Kosher Salt
1/4 (cup)
Sugar
1/4 (cup)
Vegetable Oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Orange Juice
2/3 (cup)
Prepared Horseradish
2/3 (cup)
Brown Sugar
1/3 (cup)
Dijon Mustard
1 (tablespoon)
Butter
1 (tablespoon (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag or bowl, place the thick-cut pork chops.
2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sprinkle with fresh coarse ground black pepper.
3
In a separate large bowl, combine the quart of water, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir well to dissolve both the salt and sugar completely.
4
Pour the salt and sugar brine over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly.
5
Refrigerate the brined chops for 6 to 12 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
6
After marinating, remove the pork chops from the brine and discard the brine.
7
Using paper towels, pat the pork chops dry to remove excess brine. Drizzle them lightly with vegetable oil for grilling.
8
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the chops for about 8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and have nice grill marks.
9
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
10
While the chops are resting, prepare the zesty orange sauce by combining orange juice, horseradish, and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
11
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
12
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard and optional butter for added richness.
13
Serve the grilled pork chops drizzled with the orange-horseradish sauce or on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Award-Winning Citrus-Infused Grilled Pork Chops recipe?
It is a recipe for tender and juicy grilled pork chops that utilizes a savory brine and a zesty orange-horseradish sauce for a deep flavor profile.
How long should I brine the pork chops?
The pork chops should be refrigerated in the brine for a duration of 6 to 12 hours.
What are the primary ingredients in the brine?
The brine consists of one quart of water, kosher salt, sugar, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh coarse ground black pepper.
What type of pork chops are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 thick-cut pork chops to ensure they remain juicy during grilling.
How do I prepare the zesty orange sauce?
Combine orange juice, horseradish, and brown sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, simmer until thickened, then stir in Dijon mustard and optional butter.
What is the grilling time for the pork chops?
The chops should be grilled for about 8 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Should I rest the meat after cooking?
Yes, you should let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
What should I do after removing the chops from the brine?
Remove the chops, discard the brine, and pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
What kind of salt is best for the brine?
The recipe specifically requires 1/4 cup of kosher salt for the brine.
Is the orange sauce spicy?
The sauce features 2/3 cup of prepared horseradish, giving it a zesty kick that is balanced by orange juice and brown sugar.
What type of oil is used for grilling?
The pork chops should be lightly drizzled with vegetable oil before being placed on the grill.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How much sugar is used in the brine?
The brine uses 1/4 cup of sugar dissolved in water.
Can I add butter to the orange sauce?
Yes, adding 1 tablespoon of butter is optional but recommended for added richness.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originated from a local newspaper and was celebrated at the state fair.
What type of mustard is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much orange juice is in the sauce?
The sauce contains 2/3 cup of orange juice.
How much horseradish is used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of prepared horseradish.
What kind of onion should I use for the brine?
Use one medium onion that has been chopped.
How much brown sugar is in the citrus sauce?
The sauce requires 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or minced.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for the pork chops and the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a summer barbecue or family gathering.
Should the brine be hot or cold when adding meat?
The salt and sugar should be dissolved in water, and the chops are then refrigerated, implying the brine should be cool.
What is the purpose of the onion and garlic in the brine?
They serve as aromatic ingredients to enhance the natural flavor of the pork meat.
Can I serve the sauce on the side?
Yes, you can either drizzle the sauce over the chops or serve it on the side.
How many pork chops does this recipe prepare?
The recipe is designed for 6 thick-cut pork chops.
What is the consistency of the sauce?
The sauce should be simmered until it slightly thickens.
What are the tags for this recipe?
The tags are pork, grilled, brine, orange sauce, award-winning, easy recipe, and barbecue.