Ingredients
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2-4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, 1 to 1.5 inches thick
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2-3 tablespoons Mother Lode Honey Dust (more or less to your preference)
Directions
Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear and crust.
Lightly drizzle each side of the pork chops with olive oil, then rub to evenly coat. The olive oil helps the Honey Dust adhere and promotes browning.
Apply the Honey Dust:
Generously sprinkle Mother Lode Honey Dust over all sides of the pork chops. Don't be shy – the "dust" is what will create that fantastic caramelized bark. Gently press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it sticks.
Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare your grill. This allows the seasoning to meld with the meat and helps the chops cook more evenly.
Preheat Your Grill:
Gas Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C).
Charcoal Grill: Arrange hot coals for direct heat. You want a medium-hot fire.
Grill the Pork Chops:
Once the grill is preheated, clean the grates with a wire brush. Carefully place the pork chops on the hot grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side for 1-inch thick chops, or 5-7 minutes per side for 1.5-inch thick chops, or until golden brown with nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
For the best results and flavor, avoid overcooking pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Medium-Rare: 140-145°F (60-63°C) Medium: 145-150°F (63-66°C) Medium-Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C) Well-Done: 155°F+ (68°C+)
The honey and sugar in the Honey Dust can cause the chops to brown quickly, so keep an eye on them and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cooks through. If they are browning too fast, move them to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat slightly.
Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board. Loosely tent them with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly flavorful Grilled Pork Chops with Mother Lode Honey Dust!
Recipe Note
Don't crowd the grill: Cook the pork chops in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good browning.
Adjust to your grill: Every grill is different. Pay attention to how your grill cooks and adjust temperatures and times accordingly.
Experiment with doneness: While 145°F is the generally recommended safe temperature for pork, some prefer it slightly more done. Use your thermometer and personal preference.
Mother Lode Honey Dust is versatile! Don't limit it to just pork chops. Try it on ribs, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
