Grilled Maine Maple-Dijon Pork Chops

Introduction

With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, these Grilled Maine Maple-Dijon Pork Chops will become your go-to grilling recipe. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill ensures an unbeatable crust and juicy center, making every bite unforgettable. Elevate your grilling game and enjoy restaurant-quality pork chops at home today!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup Maine maple syrup
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

1. In a small bowl, mix the Maine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to create a marinade.
2. Place the pork chops in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all sides are coated.
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is evenly heated with different temperature zones.

Step 3: Sear the pork chops

1. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
2. Place the chops on the center grill grate and sear for about 1–2 minutes per side to develop a caramelized crust.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat griddle

1. Move the seared pork chops to the flat cooktop, placing them in a medium heat zone.
2. Brush them with melted butter and cook for approximately 5–8 minutes per side until they reach 140°F internally.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Remove the pork chops from the grill when the internal temperature is 140°F, as they will continue to cook while resting.
2. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Pork is best at 145°F.
• Always preheat your Arteflame grill properly to get the best sear.
• For extra depth of flavor, baste the chops with butter while on the griddle.
• Do not over-marinate, as the sugars from the maple syrup may cause excessive caramelization.
• Move the chops around the flat griddle if needed to avoid hot spots.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple-Dijon Pork Chops: Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
2. Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Mix in 1 tbsp of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to enhance the earthy flavors.
3. Garlic-Lemon Pork Chops: Add the zest and juice of one lemon for a tangy twist.
4. Honey-Mustard Pork Chops: Replace maple syrup with honey for a richer, slightly floral sweetness.
5. Apple Cider Pork Chops: Mix in 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with a touch of acidity.

Best pairings

• Grilled Asparagus: Cooked on the Arteflame griddle with butter and garlic.
• Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized on the flat top cooktop for a smoky-sweet side.
• Charred Corn on the Cob: Grilled directly on the cooktop with a butter glaze.
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Toss them in maple syrup and roast to crispy perfection.
• Fresh Apple Slaw: The crispness of apples adds a refreshing contrast to the pork chops.

Conclusion

With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, these Grilled Maine Maple-Dijon Pork Chops will become your go-to grilling recipe. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill ensures an unbeatable crust and juicy center, making every bite unforgettable. Elevate your grilling game and enjoy restaurant-quality pork chops at home today!