Sweet and Savory Grilled Maple Mustard Pork Chops
Indulge in the delicious flavors of these Sweet and Savory Grilled Maple Mustard Pork Chops, which combine the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup with the zesty kick of mustard. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for any gathering, allowing you to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delightful weeknight dinner. With juicy pork chops marinated in a delectable blend of spices, soy sauce, and maple syrup, then grilled to perfection, every bite is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with the homemade Maple-Mustard Barbecue Sauce drizzled on top for an unforgettable culinary experience!
4
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork chops
4 ((1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, boneless, 6-7 oz. each))
coarse salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
dry mustard
3 tablespoons
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
maple syrup
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
butter
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
bacon
2 slices (cut into 1/4 inch slivers)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ((to taste))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the Maple-Mustard Barbecue Sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until they turn golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute until well incorporated. Next, add in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and cider vinegar, stirring to combine.
3
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning with coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper, and additional vinegar if desired. Set aside the sauce, which can be served warm or at room temperature. Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
4
Meanwhile, prepare the pork chops. Place them in a baking dish and season both sides generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5
Sprinkle dry mustard powder evenly on both sides of the chops, using about 1 teaspoon for each side, and rub it in with your fingers to ensure it clings to the meat.
6
Drizzle the soy sauce over the seasoned chops, using a fork to pat it into the mustard for a cohesive flavor profile.
7
In a separate small bowl, mix together the maple syrup and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour this mixture over the pork chops, turning them to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8
Prepare your grill for direct grilling and preheat it to high heat. Ensure the grill grate is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
9
Once the grill is ready, remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chops on the hot grill grate at a diagonal angle to create attractive grill marks.
10
Grill the chops for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Rotate the chops a quarter turn after 2 minutes for optimal grill marks.
11
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and let them rest for 2 minutes to retain their juices.
12
Serve the delicious pork chops drizzled or topped with the Maple-Mustard Barbecue Sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
25.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Savory Grilled Maple Mustard Pork Chops?
This dish is a flavorful combination of juicy pork chops marinated in maple syrup, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled and served with a homemade maple-mustard barbecue sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for boneless pork chops that are 6 to 7 ounces each and between 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 21.25g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 25.5g of protein.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
The pork chops should be marinated in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
What temperature should the pork chops reach when grilled?
The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make the Maple-Mustard Barbecue Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
How do I create attractive grill marks on the pork?
Place the chops on the hot grill at a diagonal angle and rotate them a quarter turn after 2 minutes of cooking.
What is in the dry rub for the pork chops?
The dry rub consists of coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper, and dry mustard powder rubbed into both sides of the meat.
What is the primary liquid base for the marinade?
The marinade base is a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and vegetable oil.
What ingredients are needed for the barbecue sauce?
The sauce requires butter, bacon, onion, garlic, tomato paste, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and cider vinegar.
How long does it take to cook the pork chops on the grill?
The chops typically take 4 to 6 minutes per side over high heat.
Should I let the meat rest after grilling?
Yes, transfer the cooked chops to a platter and let them rest for 2 minutes to retain their juices.
What kind of mustard is used in the sauce?
The sauce specifically uses 6 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How is the bacon prepared for the sauce?
The bacon should be cut into 1/4 inch slivers before being cooked with the onions and garlic.
Do I need to oil the grill?
Yes, ensure the grill grate is clean and lightly oiled to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
The sauce can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How much dry mustard is needed for the pork chops?
Use approximately 3 tablespoons total, or about 1 teaspoon for each side of the four chops.
What type of vinegar works best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar to add the necessary tang to the sauce.
Can I use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
No, you should discard the marinade after removing the pork chops for food safety reasons.
How do I incorporate the soy sauce into the seasoning?
Drizzle the soy sauce over the seasoned chops and use a fork to pat it into the dry mustard layer.
What is the first step in making the barbecue sauce?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the bacon, onion, and garlic.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to thicken.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste in the sauce?
The tomato paste adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the consistency of the sauce.
Is there a specific heat setting for the grill?
The grill should be preheated to high heat for direct grilling.
How much maple syrup is used in the marinade versus the sauce?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 cup of maple syrup divided between the marinade mixture and the sauce.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can adjust the seasoning and consistency by adding a little more cider vinegar if desired.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
While the recipe specifies boneless, you can use bone-in chops; however, you may need to adjust the grilling time slightly.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this recipe?
This recipe focuses on sweet, savory, and zesty profiles using maple, mustard, and soy sauce.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove for the barbecue sauce.