Southern Sweet Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Pork chops: The main protein of the dish, you can use either bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference.

Brown sugar: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the marinade.

Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami taste that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the pork chops moist and adds a subtle richness.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the marinade.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

To ensure the pork chops absorb maximum flavor from the marinade, use a fork to gently poke holes in the meat before marinating. This allows the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and tender grilled pork chop.

• pork chops - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts can be grilled similarly and will absorb the marinade flavors well.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can help with caramelization on the grill.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile and is easier to mix into marinades.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different but still peppery flavor that can complement the dish.

• Allow the pork chops to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
• Store the wrapped or containerized pork chops in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped pork chops in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their storage time.
• When freezing, ensure the pork chops are laid flat in the freezer to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to thaw individual pieces.
• To reheat refrigerated pork chops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen pork chops, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture and flavor.
• Reheat thawed pork chops using the same oven method or on a stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of soy sauce to keep them moist.
• Avoid microwaving pork chops as it can make them tough and dry. If you must use a microwave, do so on a low setting and check frequently to prevent overcooking.
• Pair reheated pork chops with fresh sides like grilled vegetables or a crisp salad to enhance the meal and add a burst of freshness.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This method ensures the pork chops remain juicy and flavorful.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method gives the pork chops a nice sear while keeping them moist.

• Microwave Method: Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don’t overcook. This is the quickest method but may not retain as much moisture as other methods.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the pork chops in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse them in the water bath for about 30 minutes. This method ensures the pork chops are evenly reheated and remain incredibly tender.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives the pork chops a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.

• Whisk: Helpful for thoroughly mixing the marinade ingredients together.

• Tongs: Essential for placing the pork chops on the grill and flipping them during cooking.

• Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat for cooking the pork chops to perfection.

• Meat thermometer: Use this to check that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).

• Cutting board: Handy for letting the pork chops rest after grilling.

• Knife: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the brown sugar and soy sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the olive oil and black pepper precisely.

Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a ziplock bag: Place the pork chops and marinade in a ziplock bag for easy coating and cleanup.

Preheat the grill early: Start preheating the grill while the pork chops are marinating to save time.

Check temperature quickly: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops for faster results.