These juicy grilled pork chops get a sweet kick from a spicy peach glaze that makes your taste buds dance! They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or any family dinner.
Who knew a simple peach could be so exciting? I love how the glaze adds a nice twist to the chops. Pair it with a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that impresses without fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops work best for juiciness, but boneless chops or even thick pork steaks can be substitutes. Just watch the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and flavor, but you can replace it with other oils like avocado or vegetable oil if needed. Just keep it to something with a high smoke point.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika gives depth to the chops. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still add flavor. For garlic powder, fresh garlic can be used—just adjust the amount to taste.
Peach Preserves: If you want a different flavor or can’t find peach preserves, try apricot preserves or even a spicy fruit sauce for a unique twist.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick, but white vinegar or lemon juice can be used in its place for a similar effect.
How Can I Grill Pork Chops Perfectly?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve juicy results. Here are some tips:
- Start with a preheated grill. Medium-high heat (around 400-450°F) is ideal for grilling.
- Let the pork chop rest before grilling. This helps them cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they’re safe and juicy.
- Flip the chops only once to get nice grill marks without drying them out.
- Baste with the glaze during the last minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor without burning the sugars.
Lastly, let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and moist.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh peaches or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill. Overall, you can expect to spend about 30-35 minutes for the entire cooking process. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
First, get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat, which is about 400-450°F. This ensures that your pork chops will sear nicely and stay juicy on the inside!
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This savory blend will give your pork chops lots of flavor, so make sure to mix it well!
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Drizzle the olive oil over the pork chops, rubbing it in to coat them well. Then, generously sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides of the pork chops, pressing it in a bit to ensure it sticks. Yum!
4. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and hot sauce (if you want an extra kick). Stir everything together until it’s smooth and heated through. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
5. Grill the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the seasoned pork chops on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chops over and baste them with some of the spicy peach glaze. Flip again after another 5-7 minutes, basting each time. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which ensures they’re perfectly cooked.
6. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps them stay juicy! When serving, drizzle over any remaining spicy peach glaze and feel free to garnish with fresh peaches or parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute Chicken for Pork Chops in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, use bone-in thighs or breasts for similar cook times and juicy results. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No problem! You can use any fruit preserves like apricot or even make a quick homemade glaze using fresh peaches, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Simmer until thickened for a fresh take!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture, or use the microwave with a splash of water to keep them juicy.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The spicy peach glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat it before serving to bring back the flavors!
