Pork Chop Barbecue
Juicy pork chops coated in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce with a hint of heat, perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 slice lemon ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional) ⓘ
- 6 pork chops (1/2-inch thick) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix water, vinegar, sugar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Add lemon slice and sliced onion to the mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Place pork chops in a dish and pour the sauce over them.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour and 25 minutes, turning the chops once, until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking. If you don't have liquid smoke, try adding smoked paprika for a similar depth. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly or add honey. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Grandma Kline'S Baked Beans for a classic BBQ experience. For an extra crunch, consider serving with Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes With Canadian Bacon as a delightful side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook, as that may dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chop Barbecue contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1511mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork chops?
Yes, you can substitute with pork loin or even chicken breasts, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches safe levels: 145°F for pork and 165°F for chicken.
What can I do if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If Worcestershire sauce is unavailable, you can make a substitute using soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar. This will give you a similar umami flavor profile for the barbecue sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include a chopped jalapeño in the sauce. You can also serve the pork chops with a spicy barbecue sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).