Savory Mesquite BBQ Glazed Pork Chops
If you crave the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ but find yourself stuck indoors, this recipe is your answer! These Savory Mesquite BBQ Glazed Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to a delightful marinade and a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfectly suitable for any day, regardless of the weather, these chop beauties bring a taste of summer to your kitchen. Just remember to choose thick rib chops with a good amount of marbling for the best flavor and moisture. Your family will be raving about this dish long after the last bite!
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thick pork rib chops
6 (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick)
Lawry's mesquite marinade
1 (12-ounce) bottle (for marinating)
Barbecue sauce
3/4 cup (Sweet Baby Ray's original recommended)
Chili sauce
1/2 cup (for the glaze)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons (for the glaze)
Molasses
1 tablespoon (for the glaze)
Light brown sugar
3 tablespoons (for the glaze)
Jack Daniel's whiskey
1-2 tablespoons (optional, for the glaze)
Instructions
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1. Begin by placing the pork rib chops in a large zip-lock bag. Pour the entire bottle of Lawry's mesquite marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate to marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
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2. The next day, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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3. Remove the chops from the bag and allow any excess marinade to drain off, but do NOT rinse the chops before cooking.
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4. Choose a large, sturdy 4-sided baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chops in the pan in a single layer, making sure they fit snugly. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep in moisture.
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5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. This slow cooking will ensure tender and flavorful meat.
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6. While the chops bake, prepare the BBQ glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, molasses, and light brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring often until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
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7. After 2 hours, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Remove the foil and drain any excess fat from the pan, being cautious not to lose the chops.
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8. Stir the optional Jack Daniel's whiskey into the sauce for an added depth of flavor.
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9. Using tongs, generously dip each chop into the prepared sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Return the sauced chops back into the pan.
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10. Place the pan back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the glaze to set and create a deliciously sticky coating on the pork.
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11. Once finished, let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
25
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these pork chops?
The pork chops have a smoky and tangy BBQ flavor with a rich, caramelized mesquite glaze.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
Thick pork rib chops, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick with good marbling, are recommended for the best flavor and moisture.
How long should the pork marinate?
For maximum flavor absorption, it is best to marinate the pork chops overnight in the refrigerator.
What specific marinade is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce bottle of Lawry's mesquite marinade.
Do I need a grill to make these BBQ pork chops?
No, these are designed to be oven-baked, making them perfect for indoor cooking regardless of the weather.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
Should I rinse the marinade off the chops before cooking?
No, you should drain the excess marinade but do NOT rinse the chops.
How long do the pork chops bake in the first stage?
The chops bake covered for 2 hours to ensure they become tender.
What ingredients are in the BBQ glaze?
The glaze consists of barbecue sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, molasses, light brown sugar, and optional whiskey.
What brand of barbecue sauce is recommended?
Sweet Baby Ray's original barbecue sauce is recommended for the glaze.
Is the whiskey a necessary ingredient for the sauce?
No, the 1-2 tablespoons of Jack Daniel's whiskey is optional but adds an extra depth of flavor.
How do I prevent the pork chops from sticking to the pan?
Coat a large, sturdy 4-sided baking dish generously with cooking spray before arranging the chops.
Why should the baking pan be covered with foil?
Covering the pan tightly with aluminum foil keeps the moisture in during the long baking process.
What should I do after the first 2 hours of baking?
Remove the pan from the oven, take off the foil, and drain any excess fat from the pan.
How do I apply the glaze to the pork?
Using tongs, dip each individual chop into the prepared sauce until well-coated, then return them to the pan.
How long is the second baking stage?
The sauced chops bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
What is the purpose of the final 15-20 minutes of baking?
This allows the glaze to set and creates a delicious, sticky coating on the pork.
Should the meat rest after it is done cooking?
Yes, let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for any day of the week.
Can I use different types of sugar for the glaze?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar for the best results.
What role does molasses play in the recipe?
Molasses is used in the glaze to provide a rich color and deep, sweet flavor.
How many pork chops does this recipe yield?
The recipe is written for 6 thick pork rib chops.
What type of baking dish should be used?
A large, sturdy 4-sided baking dish is required to hold the chops in a single layer.
How is the glaze prepared?
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, heat until boiling while stirring, then remove from heat and keep warm.
Can I substitute the chili sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chili sauce for the glaze to provide its signature flavor.
Is this dish suitable for summer meals?
Yes, it is designed to bring a taste of summer and BBQ flavor to your kitchen even when cooking indoors.