Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These honey glazed grilled pork chops are not just a meal – they're a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in every single bite. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned BBQ master, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will elevate your home cooking game and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the glaze marinade.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better grill marks and caramelization.
- Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F.
- Brush pork chops generously with half of the honey glaze mixture, reserving the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Place pork chops on preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, creating nice grill marks and developing a golden-brown crust.
- Flip pork chops and brush with additional glaze, cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, baste pork chops with remaining glaze to create a sticky, caramelized exterior.
- Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Moisture Management: Pat the pork chops completely dry before grilling. This simple step is crucial for achieving those beautiful, crispy grill marks and perfect caramelization.
- Glaze with Purpose: Don't just slather on the glaze – apply it strategically. Brush the first half of the glaze before grilling and save the rest for the final minutes to prevent burning and create a stunning, sticky exterior.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: The secret to perfectly cooked pork is hitting the right internal temperature (145°F). A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling.
- Rest is Best: Never skip the 5-minute resting period after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add an extra layer of flavor and make your dish look professionally prepared.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 621kcal
Carbohydrates: 86g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
