Savory Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Pork Chops
Indulge in these delectable Savory Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Pork Chops, a dish that has woven itself into the fabric of our family meals since the beginning of our marriage. These thick-cut pork chops burst with flavor, featuring a luscious blend of cheeses, fresh Roma tomatoes, and an enticing rub that balances sweetness with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for grilling, these chops can be marinated to enhance their flavor further. Whether you're serving a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these stuffed pork chops will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. You can customize the stuffing by using fresh spinach or mushrooms for a different twist. The recipe can also be adapted for grilling pork tenderloin, finishing it beautifully in the oven.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butterflied pork chops
2 (thick cut)
Caribbean jerk dry seasoning
1-2 (tablespoon)
Cinnamon
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Kosher salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon (optional))
Soy sauce
1 (teaspoon)
Cider vinegar
1 (teaspoon)
Olive oil
1 (teaspoon)
Brown sugar
3 (tablespoons)
Roma tomato
1 (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Muenster cheese
4 (slices)
Additional brown sugar
3 (tablespoons (optional))
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Caribbean jerk dry seasoning, cinnamon, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), soy sauce, cider vinegar, and olive oil. Stir until well mixed.
2
Generously rub the inside pocket of each butterfly pork chop with a small amount of the spice mixture, ensuring good coverage. Liberally coat the outside of the chops using the remaining mixture. For optimal flavor, you can refrigerate the chops uncovered for up to 2 hours to let the rub penetrate the meat.
3
Preheat your grill to high, using direct heat (charcoal gives excellent flavor; consider adding soaked applewood chips for a smoky touch). Before grilling, allow the chops to come back to room temperature if they've been refrigerated.
4
Lightly dust the inside of each pork chop with brown sugar and apply a heavier coat to the outside for a crispy, caramelized crust.
5
Place each chop on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, searing the inside pocket to begin melting the cheese. Remove the chops from the grill and carefully stuff each pocket with 2 slices of muenster cheese and 2-3 slices of Roma tomato. Secure the stuffed chops closed using toothpicks or soaked skewers to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.
6
Return the stuffed chops to the grill. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once for even browning. Optionally, you may sprinkle more brown sugar on the surface while grilling to achieve an even more dazzling glaze.
7
Once done, remove the chops from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Pork Chops?
They are thick-cut, butterflied pork chops stuffed with Muenster cheese and Roma tomatoes, seasoned with a complex jerk-style spice rub and a brown sugar glaze.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
You should use thick-cut butterflied pork chops to provide enough space for the cheese and tomato stuffing.
What ingredients are in the spice rub?
The rub consists of Caribbean jerk seasoning, cinnamon, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and olive oil.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
For optimal flavor, you can refrigerate the seasoned pork chops uncovered for up to 2 hours.
Why should the meat come to room temperature before grilling?
Allowing the meat to lose its chill ensures more even cooking and better temperature control on the grill.
How is the brown sugar used in this recipe?
Brown sugar is dusted lightly inside the pocket and applied heavily on the outside to create a crispy, caramelized crust.
What type of cheese is recommended for the stuffing?
The recipe calls for Muenster cheese, using 2 slices per pork chop.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Roma tomatoes are recommended, sliced approximately 1/4 inch thick.
How do I keep the stuffing from falling out?
Secure the stuffed pocket closed using toothpicks or soaked skewers before placing the chops back on the grill.
What is the first step of the grilling process?
Preheat the grill to high direct heat and sear the inside pocket of the chops for 2-3 minutes to begin melting the cheese.
How long do I cook the chops after they are stuffed?
Cook them for an additional 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once.
Can I add a smoky flavor to the pork?
Yes, if using charcoal, adding soaked applewood chips provides an excellent smoky touch.
Is the spice rub very hot?
The spice level is adjustable; you can include or omit the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Why is resting the meat important?
Resting the chops for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.
Can I customize the stuffing?
Yes, you can add or substitute ingredients like fresh spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing pocket.
Can this recipe be made with pork tenderloin?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted for pork tenderloin by grilling it and then finishing the cooking process in the oven.
What is the purpose of the cinnamon in the rub?
Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the heat of the jerk seasoning.
Do I need to sear the inside of the pork chop?
Yes, searing the inside pocket briefly before stuffing helps melt the cheese and develops flavor inside the chop.
Should I use wood or metal skewers?
You can use either, but if using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water first to prevent burning.
What type of heat is best for grilling these?
High, direct heat is best for achieving the desired sear and caramelization of the sugar.
How much soy sauce is in the rub?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to add saltiness and umami.
Can I use more brown sugar while grilling?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle more brown sugar on the surface while grilling to create a more dazzling glaze.
How many Roma tomato slices go in each chop?
Each chop should be stuffed with 2 to 3 slices of Roma tomato.
What does the cider vinegar do?
Cider vinegar provides acidity to the rub, which helps balance the sweet and spicy components.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The current ingredient list is designed for 2 large stuffed pork chops.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder is a key component of the rub, providing a savory base that balances the sweeter elements.
Can I use gas instead of charcoal?
Yes, while charcoal is suggested for flavor, a gas grill on high heat will also work effectively.
How thick should the pork chops be?
They should be thick-cut to allow for butterflying and holding the cheese and tomato slices securely.
Can I prepare the rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry seasonings and liquids together ahead of time and store them until ready to use.
What is the benefit of the olive oil in the rub?
Olive oil helps bind the spices together and prevents the meat from sticking to the grill grates.