Tangy Barbecued Pork Chops
Tangy barbecued pork chops feature a sweet and savory glaze with maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar, perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners enjoying bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- dash of ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 to 8 pork chops (3/4 to 1 inch thick) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the first 11 ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
- Grill the pork chops over medium coals for 10 minutes on each side.
- Baste the chops with sauce during grilling.
- Cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes, basting frequently and turning occasionally, until desired doneness.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before grilling. If you don't have maple syrup, honey can be a good substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Adjust the pepper and clove according to your taste preference. When grilling, check for grill marks and avoid flipping too often for better caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tangy barbecued pork chops with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal. They pair beautifully with Clety'S Special for a delightful combination. For a heartier option, consider serving with baked potatoes or corn on the cob. A refreshing salad can also complement the richness of the barbecue sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but this might make the meat less tender. Be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Barbecued Pork Chops contains roughly 86 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1235mg per serving (54% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts will cook faster. Ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature for safety, which is 145°F (63°C) for pork.
What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the pork chops in a skillet on the stovetop or under a broiler. Just ensure you're basting them with the sauce as they cook, and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops.
Can I freeze the barbecued pork chops?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
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).