These juicy grilled pork chops are sure to be a hit! Topped with a sweet and spicy peach glaze, they bring a burst of flavor to your dinner plate.
Every bite is a happy mix of juicy meat and tangy sweetness. I love serving these with a side of rice to soak up all that yummy glaze! 🍑🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and moisture. If you can’t find them, boneless cuts will work, but adjust the grilling time as they cook faster. I prefer chops about 1 inch thick; they grill beautifully without drying out.
Peach Preserves: These are the star of the glaze! If you don’t have peach preserves, use apricot or orange marmalade for a similar sweetness. You can also make your own by cooking down fresh peaches with sugar until thick.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick to the glaze. If you want a milder taste, you can swap it for honey mustard or yellow mustard. For a spicier kick, try brown mustard instead.
Cayenne Pepper: The recipe calls for cayenne for heat, but you can reduce to taste or leave it out completely. If you don’t like cayenne, crushed red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce works too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with some simple steps, you’ll get great results! The key is to ensure they’re evenly seasoned and cooked to the right temperature.
- Pat Dry: Always pat your pork chops dry before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and achieves a better sear.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the spices! Season all sides of the pork chops well. For more flavor, let them marinate for an hour or more.
- Use a Hot Grill: Preheat your grill until it’s hot. This helps achieve those nice grill marks and a juicy interior.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer. Pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) for the perfect juicy chop.
- Let Them Rest: Resting for at least 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring they don’t dry out when you cut into them.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spiciness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh peach slices (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes, including 30 minutes for marinating the pork chops. You’ll spend 10 minutes for prep, and about 15 minutes cooking the chops on the grill. Perfect for a delightful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear! Rub them with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Allow the chops to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
2. Make the Peach Glaze:
While the pork chops are marinating, it’s time to make the peach glaze! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the peach preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit more kick). Keep stirring until everything is well combined and heated through, then set it aside.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now, let’s get the grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the pork chops from sticking. You want to achieve the perfect grill marks!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once your grill is hot, place the pork chops on it. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side. After that, flip the chops over and brush them generously with the spicy peach glaze. Grill for another 4-5 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You’re going to love that sweet and spicy aroma!
5. Rest:
Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve:
Before serving, drizzle any leftover glaze over the pork chops for an extra burst of flavor. If you want, garnish with fresh peach slices and herbs for a beautiful presentation. Dig in and enjoy your delicious Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with Spicy Peach Glaze!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine, but they may cook a bit faster. Keep an eye on them and start checking the internal temperature around the 3-4 minute mark on each side to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves on hand, you can use apricot or mango preserves as a tasty alternative. Both will add a nice sweetness and tropical flavor that pairs well with the spices in this recipe!
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make your peach glaze spicier, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit these spices. Taste the glaze before brushing it on the chops and adjust accordingly!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the glaze a few days in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
