Spicy Tex-Mex Grilled Pork Chops
These Spicy Tex-Mex Grilled Pork Chops are a flavorful and zesty take on a classic barbecue staple. Infused with a blend of brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, and salt, these succulent pork chops are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. With no need for marination, you can prepare this dish in no time, allowing the spice rub to impart a delightful sweetness and heat. The recipe, adapted from Coup de Pouce magazine, emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making it a go-to option for any grilling enthusiast.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
Ground cumin
2 (teaspoons)
Chili powder
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
Pork loin chops with bone
4 ((about 1 1/2 lb / 750 g in total))
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well until evenly blended.
2
Stir in the vegetable oil to form a paste. Rub this spice mixture generously over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
3
For maximum flavor, you can let the seasoned pork chops rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
4
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5
Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, checking for tenderness. The pork should have a hint of pink in the center, indicating juiciness.
6
Flip the pork chops halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling and caramelization.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Tex-Mex Grilled Pork Chops?
They are a flavorful and zesty version of a classic barbecue staple featuring a blend of brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 pork loin chops with the bone, totaling about 1 1/2 lbs or 750 g.
What ingredients are needed for the Tex-Mex spice rub?
You will need brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil.
Do I need to marinate the pork chops?
No marination is required, but you can let the seasoned chops rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
How do I make the spice paste?
Combine brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a bowl, then stir in vegetable oil until a paste forms.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat.
How long should I cook the pork chops on the grill?
Cook the chops for 5 to 7 minutes in total, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Check for tenderness; the pork should have a hint of pink in the center to ensure it remains juicy.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The instructions recommend closing the lid while the pork chops are cooking.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates before placing the seasoned pork chops on the grill.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe uses chili powder and cumin to provide a 'spicy' and zesty Tex-Mex flavor profile, though it also contains brown sugar for sweetness.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from Coup de Pouce magazine.
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes, though the recipe specifies bone-in chops, you can use boneless, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How much brown sugar is used in the rub?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in the rub?
The vegetable oil helps turn the dry spices into a paste that adheres better to the meat.
How much chili powder is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of chili powder for the spice mixture.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and easy dinner, requiring very little preparation time.
What are the main flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features a blend of sweetness from brown sugar and earthy heat from cumin and chili powder.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt in the spice rub.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need a barbecue grill and a small bowl for mixing the spices.
Can I prepare the rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry spices together ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, oil, pork), it is naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice labels.
Can I use this rub on other meats?
While designed for pork chops, this Tex-Mex rub would also work well on chicken or steak.
Why flip the pork chops halfway through?
Flipping ensures even cooking on both sides and helps achieve better caramelization from the sugar.
What is the total weight of pork needed?
The recipe suggests using approximately 750 grams (1.5 lbs) of pork in total.
Is there any nutritional information available?
The provided recipe data does not include specific calorie or macronutrient counts.
Can I make this on a stovetop?
While written for a grill, you could cook these in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for similar results.
How should I apply the spice mixture?
Rub the paste generously over both sides of the pork chops to ensure they are well coated before grilling.