Zesty Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Delight your taste buds with these Zesty Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops that combine the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of Dijon mustard and refreshing orange juice. This simple yet flavorful marinade infuses the pork chops with a delightful mix of savory and sweet. Ideal for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner, these juicy chops are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
honey
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
orange juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon (chopped)
cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
white wine
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
to taste (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
butterfly pork loin chops
4 (1/2 inch thick)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, chopped tarragon, cider vinegar, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Whisk until well blended to create a marinade.
2
Place the butterfly pork loin chops into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F).
4
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the marinade used for marinating.
5
Place the pork chops on the grill, positioning them 4 to 5 inches from the heat source. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the pork is no longer pink.
6
Remove the chops from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops?
They are butterfly pork loin chops marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of honey, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed orange juice, chopped fresh tarragon, cider vinegar, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
For optimal flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat, which is approximately 375-400°F.
How long do the pork chops take to grill?
The pork chops typically take 10 to 12 minutes to grill, turning occasionally.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F to ensure the pork is safe to eat and no longer pink.
Should I let the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the chops to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the grill to keep them juicy.
What kind of pork chops are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 butterfly pork loin chops, specifically 1/2 inch thick.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While the recipe suggests freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What is the purpose of tarragon in this recipe?
Fresh chopped tarragon adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the honey and mustard flavors.
How much honey is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of honey.
What type of mustard is best for this marinade?
Dijon mustard is specified to provide the signature tangy flavor of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, the marinade includes a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of white wine.
Can I reuse the marinade from the bag?
No, you should discard the marinade used for soaking the raw meat. Use the reserved portion for brushing the chops while grilling.
How far should the meat be from the heat source?
Place the pork chops on the grill approximately 4 to 5 inches from the heat source.
What should I serve with these pork chops?
They pair well with grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the dish?
It adds a savory depth and umami flavor to the honey mustard base.
How much onion powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer BBQ?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner.
What is the preparation for the fresh tarragon?
The tarragon should be chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe specifies cider vinegar, which provides a mild acidity that works well with honey.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk all the liquid ingredients and spices together in a mixing bowl until well blended.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the pork chops.
Can I marinate the pork for more than 2 hours?
While 2 hours is optimal, you can marinate longer, though the texture of the pork may change if left too long in the acidic marinade.
Should the pork still be pink in the middle?
The pork is finished when it is no longer pink and reaches the safe temperature of 145°F.
What makes the recipe 'zesty'?
The combination of Dijon mustard, orange juice, and cider vinegar provides the zesty, tangy profile.
Do I need to grease the grill?
While not explicitly stated, lightly oiling the grill grates can help prevent the honey-based marinade from sticking.
How much cider vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor profile of honey mustard is generally very popular with both children and adults.