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Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops

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This recipe was featured in the July, 2017 issue of Stillwater Living Magazine

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops will become an instant hit with your family and friends. Thick-cut pork chops, simply seasoned and grilled to tender perfection. Serve with grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

When I was a kid, summer was the time for long lazy days. We spent almost every waking minute at the neighborhood pool, which was about a quarter mile from my house. Every day was the same, and I honestly never knew what day it was until I got home and saw what was on TV.

My mom didn’t like turning on the oven during the day, because it was so hot outside. We also didn’t have a grill. That seems kind of crazy now since everyone seems to have one, but looking back I don’t recall my friends having one either. So we usually didn’t eat dinner until after 9PM. My parents still do that regularly in the summer. Whenever I visit them or they come to Stillwater, I insist that we won’t eat that late. And then somehow, we never eat before 8PM. I guess old habits die hard.

One of my first purchases when I bought a house was a grill. I don’t use it as much as I originally thought I would, but I love the versatility the grill provides. My grill sits under the overhang on my patio, so I use it year-round. Of course I use it most often during the summer, but I will occasionally brave the elements to grill in the winter.

My dad is allergic to pork, so I don’t recall my parents ever cooking it. However, I’ve always been a fan of pork chops. The problem I often encountered, though, was they got dry very quickly. It was partially operator error, because I used thin-cut chops and cooked them too long. Dry pork chops are just as bad as dry chicken breast, and there’s not much you can do to revive them. Over time I switched to thick-cut chops, and now they’re perfect nearly every time.

During the winter I usually coat pork chops in a crispy crust and bake them in the oven. The coating helps to retain moisture, and every bite is so tender and juicy. But in the summer I take advantage of the grill. Rather than my usual simple marinade of olive oil and garlic, I wanted to kick it up a few notches so I created Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

On my first attempt at Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops I marinated the pork chops in olive oil, slit little holes in one side, added cloves of raw garlic, and let it marinate for about 4 hours. They were good, but the final color was bland and they didn’t have enough garlic punch. I also used Whole Peppercorns, and I had to pull them off before I could eat the pork.

The next time I used roasted garlic. If you haven’t used roasted garlic, you are missing out. The garlic gets golden brown and so sweet, you could almost eat it straight. I smeared the roasted garlic on both sides of the pork, and seasoned them well with Coarse Sea Salt and ground peppercorns.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

I let the chops rest for about 30 minutes, seared them in a Nonstick Skillet with melted butter, and then cooked them on the grill. If you don’t have a grill, or it’s too cold outside, a Grill Pan is a perfect substitute. I spray the grill grates with Avocado Oil Spray or Cooking Spray to prevent the food from sticking.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

Look at that gorgeous color! The roasted garlic adds so much flavor. And I seared the Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops in real butter.  I used to use spread or imitation butter, but real butter adds an incredible flavor and silky texture you don’t get otherwise. Plus, butter helps to create the golden brown color. You don’t have to use much, and sometimes it’s just worth it.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade
DIPPING SAUCES FOR PEPPERCORN GARLIC PORK CHOPS

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops have so much flavor on their own, but it never hurts to add  more. I made a balsamic honey reduction the first time I made the Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops, to make up for the lack of color. I did it the second time as well, assuming I would need it. Even though I didn’t, I used it for a very flavorful dipping sauce. I also prepared chimichurri sauce as another dipping option.

The balsamic honey reduction is so simple, and when you use high-quality ingredients it tastes even better. I discovered Lucero Balsamic Vinegar a couple of years ago, and have never looked back. It’s a little more expensive than regular store-bought, but well worth it for the wonderful deep flavor. I also use Raw Honey. Regular honey has an aftertaste–I didn’t notice it until I tried raw honey. Also, when you buy raw, buy honey made as locally as possible.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

You can’t have Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops without vegetables, so I decided to grill a variety of vegetables on the side. I seasoned them simply with salt and pepper, then drizzled them with oil. I discovered Avocado Oil a few months ago, and love the silky texture it adds to food. FYI, both of the dipping sauces work great with grilled vegetables too!

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

I always worry when I grill vegetables that they’ll fall through the grates. I did really well, until I thought to myself that I did well…then I lost a lemon slice. But that was the only casualty.

We ate a ton of leftovers growing up, and once I moved out on my own I swore them off. I will eat leftover pizza and Chinese food, but that’s about it. And when I cook, I do just enough for one meal. I ate one of the Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops immediately. I also literally danced around the kitchen because it was so good! The other one, I ate the next day for lunch. I was concerned it might get dry in the microwave, but I used the reheat setting, and it was just as tender and juicy as the day before.

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops will definitely be on my regular meal plan throughout the year. When it’s too cold to grill outside, I’ll use the grill pan instead.

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Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients

  • 2 thick-cut, bone-in pork chops (about 3/4")
  • coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • vegetables, for grilling
  • avocado oil/olive oil

BALSAMIC HONEY REDUCTION

CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

Instructions

  1. Peel garlic cloves, and put on piece of aluminum foil. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil. Close tightly, and put into 400 degree oven for 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven, open foil, and let cool for 5 minutes
  2. Season both sides of pork chops liberally with salt and pepper
  3. Smash roasted garlic, and smear liberally on both sides of pork chops. Let sit for 30 minutes
  4. Cut vegetables into thick slices. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil
  5. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Remove any garlic skin from pork chops, and add to skillet. Sear on both sides, for about 3 minutes per side
  6. While pork chops sear, heat grill to medium/high heat. I use a gas grill, and heat to 375 degrees
  7. Spray grill with cooking spray or oil spray, to prevent sticking. Add pork chops to grill over direct heat. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, until chops get that beautiful golden color
  8. Add vegetables to grill, and cook until they reach desired level of done. Thicker vegetables should go over direct heat, while more delicate vegetables should go over indirect heat
  9. When pork chops are done, remove from grill and set on plate to rest. Allow chops to rest for about 5 minutes, so juices redistribute

BALSAMIC HONEY REDUCTION

  1. In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Reduce over low heat until it reaches a thick consistency. If left too long, or over too high heat, it will burn

CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

  1. In food processor, combine all chimichurri dry ingredients. Pulse a few times until chopped, and then drizzle in oil until it reaches desired consistency. Don't over-process, or it will become too thin and runny
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Peppercorn Garlic Pork Chops - Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

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Stephanie Simmons

Monday 14th of May 2018

I've never used peppercorn on my pork chops before but it sounds like a great addition!

Karyl

Monday 23rd of July 2018

Stephanie I find that crushed peppercorns add a bigger punch of flavor than just regular black pepper.

Sara

Monday 14th of May 2018

This would be a great family dinner. I love pork chops, but the addition of peppercorn and garlic sounds way better than what I usually make!

Jenna

Monday 14th of May 2018

These look so elegant! And I hate to say it but I'm with your parents on meal times, especially in the summer. We do own a grill but our home doesn't have central air and I can't stand eating when I am really hot. So we often eat after dark in the height of summer.

Michele @ Queenbeebaker

Sunday 13th of May 2018

These pork chops are practically screaming flavor! They look and sound irresistible. This is def a keeper!

Karyl

Monday 23rd of July 2018

Thanks Michele! Yes, they are really delicious.

Leslie

Sunday 13th of May 2018

That look chimichurri sauce looks beautiful! I can think of so many things that I'd top with it, too!

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