Sweet and Savory Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Chops with Roasted Corn Relish
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with these Sweet and Savory Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Chops paired with a vibrant Roasted Corn Relish. This summer-inspired dish features juicy smoked pork chops, which are simply heated to bring out their rich, smoky flavor. The accompanying corn relish, bursting with the freshness of sweet corn, crispy bacon, and colorful bell peppers, can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile side. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, leaving everyone at the table craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
5 (slices)
Sweet corn
4 (ears, shucked and kernels cut off)
Red onion
1 (small, chopped)
Red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Balsamic vinegar
3 (tablespoons (1 for relish, 2 for glaze))
Maple syrup
6 (tablespoons)
Smoked pork chops
4 (thick-sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the corn relish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
2
Add the corn kernels, chopped red onion, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Crumble the reserved bacon over the corn mixture and add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Stir the ingredients together and season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust the balsamic vinegar to taste if you prefer a more tangy flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Next, prepare the glaze for the pork chops. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.
5
Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates. Grill the smoked pork chops over medium heat, basting them with the maple glaze. Heat for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until warmed through and caramelized on the outside.
6
Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the roasted corn relish on the side. Enjoy your delicious summer meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Savory Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Chops?
This is a summer-inspired dish featuring juicy smoked pork chops glazed with a maple-balsamic mixture and served with a vibrant roasted corn relish.
What ingredients are in the Roasted Corn Relish?
The relish is made from sweet corn, bacon, red onion, red bell pepper, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Cook 5 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside to crumble later.
Should I keep the bacon grease after cooking?
Yes, leave about one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan to sauté the vegetables for the relish.
Which vegetables are sautéed in the bacon grease?
Add the corn kernels, chopped red onion, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved grease.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
Sauté the corn, onion, and pepper for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
When do I add the bacon back to the relish?
Crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the corn mixture after the vegetables have finished sautéing.
How much balsamic vinegar goes into the relish?
Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the corn mixture along with salt and pepper.
Can I adjust the flavor of the relish?
Yes, you can adjust the balsamic vinegar to taste if you prefer a more tangy flavor profile.
What ingredients are used for the pork chop glaze?
The glaze consists of 6 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How do I cook the maple glaze?
Combine the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat.
How long should the glaze simmer?
Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until it is slightly thickened.
How do I know the glaze is finished?
The glaze is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Should I season the glaze?
Yes, add freshly ground pepper to the glaze to taste once it has thickened.
How do I prepare the grill for the pork chops?
Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
How are the smoked pork chops cooked on the grill?
Grill the chops over medium heat, basting them frequently with the maple glaze.
How long does it take to grill the pork chops?
Heat them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and caramelized.
What is the purpose of grilling these specific pork chops?
Since the chops are already smoked, the grill is used to heat them through and develop a sweet, caramelized exterior.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the grilled pork chops with the roasted corn relish topped over them or on the side.
Can the corn relish be eaten cold?
Yes, the corn relish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How many pork chops does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 4 thick-sliced smoked pork chops.
What type of corn is best for the relish?
The recipe calls for 4 ears of sweet corn, shucked with the kernels cut off.
What kind of onion should I use?
A small red onion, chopped, is used to provide color and sharp flavor to the relish.
What type of bell pepper is required?
One chopped red bell pepper is used for the relish.
How much total balsamic vinegar is needed for the whole recipe?
You will need a total of 3 tablespoons: 1 for the relish and 2 for the glaze.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is ideal for outdoor gatherings and summer meals due to the use of the grill.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple steps like sautéing and grilling.
What makes the dish sweet and savory?
The sweetness comes from the maple syrup and sweet corn, while the savory elements come from the smoked pork and salty bacon.
Can I use thin pork chops instead?
The recipe specifies thick-sliced chops, which hold up better on the grill and stay juicier.
What is the primary flavor profile of the pork chops?
The chops have a rich, smoky flavor enhanced by a caramelized maple and balsamic glaze.