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Savory Bourbon Maple Glazed Grilled Pork Chops

bourbon maple glazed grilled pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring pork chops glazed with a smoky bourbon and sweet maple syrup mixture, perfect for grilling and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
  3. Marinate briefly: Place pork chops in a shallow dish and pour half of the bourbon maple glaze over them, turning to coat evenly. Let rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the pork chops: Place chops on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip, brush with more glaze, and cook another 4–5 minutes.
  6. Apply glaze and finish: During the last 2 minutes, brush the chops generously with remaining glaze and add a pat of butter on top if desired. Close the lid and let the glaze caramelize slightly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  8. Rest the meat: Transfer the pork chops to a warm plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-marinate the pork chops to avoid mushy texture; 15-20 minutes is ideal. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for safety and juiciness. If flare-ups occur, move chops to a cooler part of the grill. Resting the meat after grilling is essential to keep it juicy. For a non-alcoholic substitute, use apple juice with a splash of vanilla extract. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet and optionally re-glaze with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon pork chops, maple glazed pork chops, grilled pork chops, bourbon glaze, easy pork chop recipe, summer grilling, smoky sweet pork