Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Grilled Apples
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs25gram
Fat12gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick) - choose fresh, pink meat with firm texture and minimal odor4 pieces
- Apple (firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - pick fresh, crisp apples without bruises2 pieces
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for better flavor2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar - for a light caramel sweetness1 tablespoon
- Ground cinnamon - adds warm spice1 teaspoon
- Salt - preferably kosher or sea salt for better seasoning1.5 teaspoons
- Black pepper - freshly ground for best flavor1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder - optional, adds savory depth0.5 teaspoons
This recipe guides you through grilling juicy, flavorful pork chops accompanied by sweet, caramelized grilled apples. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, this dish balances savory and sweet with minimal fuss. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 (USD), €11 (EUR), £9 (GBP), and ₹900 (INR). Each serving contains around 350 calories, making it suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is of medium difficulty, takes about 10 minutes preparation time, 15 minutes active cooking time, and 25 minutes total. It is ideal for those comfortable with basic grilling and seeking a delicious meal with simple ingredients.
Preparation instructions
Preheat and prepare grill
1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking and uneven cooking. Preheating ensures a nice sear and proper cooking.
Season the pork chops
2In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on all sides. Proper seasoning enhances the pork’s natural flavor.
Prepare the apples
3Core the apples and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings or wedges, keeping the skin on for texture and to prevent them from falling apart. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon until coated. This will give the apples a sweet, spiced glaze when grilled.
Grill pork chops and apples
4Place the pork chops on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until you get nice grill marks. At the same time, place the apple slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until tender and caramelized. Use tongs to flip apples gently. Grilling apples alongside chops saves time and adds smoky flavor.
Check pork chops for doneness
5Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop (avoiding bone) to check the internal temperature. Safe internal temperature for pork chops is 63°C (145°F), followed by a 3-minute rest time. Remove them from the grill once they reach 63°C. This ensures pork is safe to eat and juicy.
Rest the meat
6Transfer pork chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 3 minutes. Resting helps juices redistribute, keeping meat tender and moist.
Serve
7Serve the grilled pork chops with the caramelized grilled apples on the side. You can add a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy your sweet and savory summer feast!
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked pork.
2If using boneless pork chops, reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
3For a smoky aroma, add soaked wood chips to your charcoal or use a smoker box on gas grills.
4Apples can be replaced or complemented with grilled peaches or pears for a different flavor.
5Always let the pork chop rest after grilling; cutting too soon causes dry meat.
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (for resting meat)
Shopping List
- [ ] Bone-in pork chops (4 pieces) - Approximately $8. Choose fresh pork with firm texture and a mild smell at your meat counter.
- [ ] Apples (2 pieces, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - Approximately $2. Look for firm apples, free from bruises or soft spots.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle or existing supply) - $0.50 approx for 2 tbsp.
- [ ] Brown sugar (small packet or existing supply) - $0.20 approx for 1 tbsp.
- [ ] Ground cinnamon (small jar or existing supply) - $0.10 approx for 1 tsp.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (existing supply) - minimal cost.
Total Estimated Cost: $11-12
Tip: Buying whole spices often offers better flavor and cost savings in the long term.
FAQ
How do I know when pork chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part has reached 63°C (145°F). Then let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops cook faster, so reduce grill time to about 3-4 minutes per side but still check the internal temperature.
Is it necessary to rest the pork chops after grilling?
Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and juicy pork chops.
Can I grill the apples beforehand or use raw apples instead?
Grilling the apples caramelizes their sugars and enhances flavor. Raw apples can be served, but grilling adds a delightful smoky sweetness.
How can I avoid the pork chops sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before heating. Also, pat pork dry before oiling and grilling to reduce sticking.