Savory Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Glazed Apples
Indulge in the delightful combination of tender grilled pork chops and sweet, caramelized apples in this Savory Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Glazed Apples recipe. This fall-inspired dish highlights the seasonal bounty of juicy apples, harmonizing perfectly with the savory notes of marinated pork. With a simple marinade that features apple juice, lemon juice, and sage, the pork chops absorb incredible flavors, making each bite a succulent experience. Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of apples, creating a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Simple yet impressive, this recipe showcases the best of fall produce while delivering a satisfying feast.
N/A
Servings
230
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork chops
4 (1 inch thick)
Apple juice
1 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
Sage
1 teaspoon (dried)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 (minced)
Firm apples
2-3 (cored and cut into thick rings)
Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the apple juice, lemon juice, sage, brown sugar, and minced onion until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3
Pour the marinade over the pork chops in the bag, ensuring they are well-coated.
4
Seal the bag tight and gently turn it to ensure the chops are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Place the bag in a bowl to catch any leaks.
5
Refrigerate the pork chops for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
6
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let them drain well.
7
Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Allow it to boil for one full minute for food safety.
8
Place the pork chops on the hot grill. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning them occasionally and basting with the boiled marinade to keep them juicy and flavorful.
9
While the pork is grilling, prepare the apples by coring them and slicing them into thick rings, leaving the skin on for additional flavor.
10
Brush the apple rings with the boiled marinade and place them around the pork on the grill.
11
Continue grilling until the pork chops are cooked to your desired level of doneness and the apple rings are tender, about an additional 10-15 minutes.
12
Once cooked, remove both the pork chops and apples from the grill and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
20g
Carbs
20.5g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Glazed Apples?
This is a fall-inspired dish featuring tender grilled pork chops marinated in apple juice and sage, served with caramelized, grilled apple rings.
What thickness should the pork chops be?
The recipe calls for pork chops that are 1 inch thick.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of apple juice, lemon juice, dried sage, brown sugar, and minced onion.
How long should the pork chops marinate?
You should refrigerate the pork chops for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I prepare the marinade for basting?
Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil for one full minute to ensure food safety.
What grill temperature is recommended?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for cooking the pork chops and apples.
How long do the pork chops need to grill?
The pork chops take approximately 30 to 35 minutes total, turning occasionally and basting with the boiled marinade.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe recommends using firm apples that will hold their shape during grilling.
How should I prepare the apples?
Core the apples and slice them into thick rings, leaving the skin on for additional flavor.
When do I add the apples to the grill?
Add the apple rings to the grill after the pork chops have cooked for about 20 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe high in fat?
No, each serving contains only 7 grams of fat.
How much fiber is in this dish?
This recipe provides 1.75 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of sage is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried sage.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the recipe suggests leaving the skin on for more flavor.
How many pork chops does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 4 pork chops, which typically serves 4 people.
What should I use to season the chops before serving?
Season the pork chops and apples lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I marinate the pork for just an hour?
The recipe recommends several hours or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
What is the role of lemon juice in the marinade?
Lemon juice provides acidity to help tenderize the meat and balance the sweetness of the apple juice.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for one minced onion in the marinade.
How do I stop the marinade from leaking in the fridge?
Place the sealed plastic bag containing the chops and marinade in a bowl to catch any potential leaks.
Can I use apple cider instead of juice?
While the recipe specifies apple juice, apple cider is a great substitute that complements the fall flavors.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an impressive yet simple dish perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
How often should I turn the pork chops while grilling?
Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to baste with the marinade.
Does the recipe use fresh or ground black pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly ground black pepper.
How long do the apples take to cook?
The apples take about 10-15 minutes on the grill until they are tender.
What is the main flavor profile?
The profile is a combination of savory pork and sage with sweet, caramelized maple-style apple notes.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, you could use a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar results if an outdoor grill is unavailable.