California Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops

Introduction

Grill up a delicious taste of California with these juicy bourbon-glazed pork chops. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve a steakhouse-quality sear by cooking over 1,000°F heat and then finishing on the flat cooktop. The bourbon glaze infuses the pork chops with a smoky sweetness, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet meal at home!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until it's ready for cooking.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt.
2. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Place the pork chops on the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
2. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes to develop a golden crust.
3. Move the chops to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

1. Brush the bourbon glaze onto the pork chops while they cook on the griddle.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, then remove from the grill.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
2. Serve hot with your favorite grilled sides.

Tips

• Always remove the pork chops from the grill at 135°F as they will continue to cook off the heat, reaching the perfect 145°F.
• Use butter instead of oil for richer flavor.
• Grill vegetables on the Arteflame cooktop simultaneously for a complete meal.
• For extra smoky flavor, let the bourbon glaze caramelize slightly before serving.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Bourbon: Add 1 tbsp honey and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet-spicy kick.
2. Maple Bourbon: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
3. Garlic Herb Bourbon: Add 1 tsp fresh rosemary and thyme to the glaze for an herby twist.
4. Teriyaki Bourbon: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired variation.
5. Apple Bourbon: Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar for a tangy balance to the smoky bourbon.

Conclusion

These California bourbon-glazed pork chops are a game-changer! The Arteflame grill allows the perfect steakhouse-quality sear while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Whether you stick with the original recipe or try one of the variations, you're in for a gourmet grilling experience!

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with butter
• Smoky mashed sweet potatoes
• Roasted corn on the cob
• A glass of California Pinot Noir