Soaked in a rich apple moonshine brine, generously rubbed with a robust seasoning blend, grilled to absolute perfection, and finally brushed with a tantalizing sweet glaze… these pork chops aren’t just a meal; they’re an unforgettable culinary experience with a serious “wow-factor!”
Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops: The Ultimate Grilling Masterpiece
Every now and then, a recipe comes along that truly stands out, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary event. These Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops are precisely that – a dish designed to impress, delight, and leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite. Far from your average grilled pork, this recipe elevates the humble chop to gourmet status through a thoughtful combination of brining, expert seasoning, precise grilling, and a mouth-watering sweet glaze.
Crafting a Memorable Meal: Pork Chops with Unforgettable Flavor
When a special occasion like Father’s Day rolls around, the pressure is on to create a meal that truly delivers. I wanted something more than just “good”; I aimed for a “manly meal” that packed a serious “wow-factor” for my wonderful husband. Brainstorming began, and pork chops quickly came to mind. But how to make them truly spectacular, something beyond the usual salt-and-pepper routine?
The answer, for me, was obvious: apples! As the classic Brady Bunch quote goes, “PORK CHOPS ‘n APPLE SAUCE!” The natural sweetness and tartness of apples perfectly complement the rich flavor of pork. This classic pairing sparked an idea, leading me to a bottle of apple moonshine I had on hand. What better way to infuse an incredible, deep apple flavor with an exciting twist?
I dove into research, seeking out recipes that could be adapted to my vision. The idea of incorporating apple moonshine into a brine felt like a stroke of genius, promising an unparalleled depth of flavor and tenderness. What started as a simple idea for a celebratory dinner quickly evolved into a culinary adventure, culminating in these truly exceptional Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops.
A Father’s Day Tradition: Inaugurating the New Grill with Glazed Pork Chops
This particular Father’s Day coincided with a long-overdue backyard remodel. Our old grill, a loyal companion for over a decade, had hosted countless family BBQs and seen better days. It was time for an upgrade, something bigger and better suited for the many summer gatherings our family loves to hold in our backyard oasis.
So, the kids and I conspired to surprise him with a brand new, larger grill. The excitement was palpable! And what better way to celebrate a new grill than to put it to the ultimate test with a spectacular inaugural meal? These Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops were the perfect choice to christen our new outdoor cooking station. The anticipation of that first sizzle on the fresh grates was almost as delightful as the meal itself.
On the big day, I took care of all the prep work – mixing the brine, blending the seasoning, and preparing the glaze. My husband and our oldest son then took over the grilling duties, working together as a perfect team to bring these fantastic chops to life on the new grill.
To complement the rich flavors of the pork, I served the chops alongside some incredibly fluffy Homemade Cornbread Drop Biscuits and a refreshing mixed greens salad, elevated with a luscious Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. These sides added the perfect balance of comfort and freshness to an already impressive meal.
The Secret to Succulent Pork: Embracing Brines and Proper Grilling
For a long time, my grilling routine was fairly straightforward: a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then onto the flames. It worked, but I knew there was potential for more. My perspective truly began to shift after experimenting with recipes like the Jack & Coke Steaks. That experience sold me completely on the transformative power of marinades and brines. They don’t just add flavor; they significantly enhance the meat’s tenderness and juiciness, creating a truly superior dining experience. The flavor of these apple moonshine pork chops was absolutely out of this world – a testament to this newfound appreciation for preparation!
There truly is nothing quite like a perfectly cooked meal from the grill. When done right, pork from the grill is outstanding. It should be tender, juicy, and never dry. Many people complain that pork is dry, and I’m here to share the crucial tip: that’s almost always because it’s been cooked for too long.
Debunking the Myth: The Perfect Pork Temperature
A common misconception is that cuts like pork loins and pork chops need to be cooked to 160 degrees F, similar to ground pork, to be considered “done.” This is simply not true for whole muscle cuts. For the best tasting, most succulent, and never-dry pork chops and loins, the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F, followed by a three-minute rest. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Trust me, once you cook pork to this temperature, you’ll never go back to dry, overcooked chops. For detailed guidelines on food safety and internal temperatures, I highly recommend checking out resources like Iowa Pork’s excellent read on Safe Internal Pork Temperature.
My husband grew up on a farm in Iowa where they raised hogs his entire life. As you can imagine, we have a deep appreciation for the hard work of Iowa farmers and farmers in general, and pork is a beloved staple in our household. This understanding of where our food comes from, coupled with proper cooking techniques, ensures we enjoy pork to its fullest potential.
Expand Your Grilling Horizons: More Delicious Pork Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the journey of these Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops, you’ll be thrilled to explore more fantastic ways to prepare pork on the grill (and beyond!). Pork is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide array of flavors and cooking methods. Today, I’m delighted to share some of my other favorite pork recipes perfect for your next BBQ or family dinner:
Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Country Style Pork Ribs: Indulge in the smoky, sweet, and spicy goodness of these bacon-wrapped ribs, a true crowd-pleaser that elevates any backyard BBQ.
Smoked Pork Loin: Discover the art of low-and-slow smoking with this perfectly tender and aromatic pork loin, infused with deep smoky flavors that are incredible with a variety of sides.
Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs: For fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort, these Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ ribs deliver incredible flavor and tenderness every time, making them a weeknight favorite.
Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops: Experience classic, hearty BBQ flavors with Dorothy’s beloved pork chops, a staple for any grilling enthusiast looking for a reliable, delicious recipe.
BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs: These robust country-style ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, offering a deeply satisfying meal.
The Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops Recipe: Your Guide to Grilling Excellence
This incredible Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops recipe was carefully adapted from an online source, blending my own culinary preferences with proven techniques. While I opted for apple moonshine to impart its unique depth of flavor, the original recipe actually called for apple cider. So, if moonshine isn’t readily available or if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, feel free to substitute with apple cider – the results will still be wonderfully delicious.
One aspect that particularly impressed us was how flawlessly the chops cooked to perfection, precisely following the grilling times suggested in the original recipe’s instructions. These guidelines were absolutely spot-on, ensuring beautifully tender and juicy pork every time. This experience reinforced the value of reliable cooking instructions.
Therefore, even though I customized the brine and seasoning ingredients to suit our tastes and pantry staples, I stuck verbatim to the proven grilling instructions. This combination of personalized flavors and expert technique is what truly made these glazed pork chops a phenomenal success. You’ll find that the careful balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice from the brine and seasoning, combined with the caramelized glaze, creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will have everyone asking for more.
Adore This Recipe? Pin It for Future Culinary Adventures!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! If you’re as excited as we are to try these Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops, make sure to save it for later. Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever the craving for an unforgettable grilled meal strikes!
Dinner was a resounding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, particularly my husband who absolutely loves his new grill. He truly is an amazing man, and his Father’s Day deserved a significant “wow-factor.” Seeing his enjoyment and the satisfaction on everyone’s faces, I believe we certainly achieved it!
Ready to create your own “wow-factor” meal? Let’s get started on this amazing grilled pork chop recipe using that special apple moonshine (or cider)!
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Print Recipe
Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients
- MEAT
- 6 Thick Cut Bone-In Pork Chops (about 1.5 inches thick)
- BRINE
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Hot Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tablespoons Boiling Water
- 2 cups Apple Moonshine (or substitute apple cider for a non-alcoholic option)
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 6 Garlic Cloves minced
- SEASONING RUB
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Firmly Packed Dark Brown Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil for rubbing chops
- GLAZE
- 1/2 cup Apple Jelly
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Small Granny Smith Apple peeled, cored, and grated
- GARNISH
- 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Chives
Instructions
PREPARATION:
- Place the pepper flakes in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them, allowing them to sit and re-hydrate for a few minutes. Combine the re-hydrated pepper flakes with all the remaining brine ingredients (apple moonshine/cider, water, kosher salt, honey, and minced garlic). Blend the mixture using an immersion blender or a regular blender until well combined.
- Carefully place the thick-cut pork chops into an extra-large resealable plastic bag (a 2-gallon size works well). Pour the prepared brine over the chops. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag and seal it securely. Gently roll or massage the bag to ensure all sides of the pork chops are evenly coated in the brine. Place the bag in the refrigerator to brine for 3 to 4 hours. For best results, flip the bag over a couple of times during the brining period to ensure even flavor distribution.
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all of the seasoning rub ingredients (chili powder, paprika, dark brown sugar, ground mustard, garlic salt, black pepper, sea salt, and Old Bay Seasoning – EXCLUDING the vegetable oil). Shake the jar vigorously to thoroughly combine all the spices. Set this seasoning blend aside until you are ready to grill the pork chops.
- Prepare the glaze by combining the apple jelly, fresh lemon juice, and grated Granny Smith apple in a separate jar with a lid. Shake to mix well. Set the glaze aside; it will be used towards the end of grilling.
- TO GRILL:
- Preheat your charcoal or gas grill. Aim for two distinct heat zones: one grate should be preheated to high heat, and another to low heat. Ensure the grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pork chops from the brine, allowing any excess liquid to drain back into the bag. Pat the chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Liberally sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the chops. Then, coat your hands with the vegetable oil and thoroughly rub the seasoning into all surfaces of the chops. This helps the seasoning adhere and creates a delicious crust.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on the high heat grate. Keep the grill lid open. Do not move the chops for approximately 3 minutes, allowing them to develop well-defined grill marks and a light char. Flip the chops to a clean, hot section of the grate (if your grill size allows, this helps maintain high heat contact) and grill for another 3 minutes with the lid open. After initial searing, move the chops to the low heat grate and close the lid. Continue cooking, opening the lid every few minutes to flip, adjust, or stack the chops as needed. Cook for about 8 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature 145°F), about 10 minutes for medium-well, and about 12 minutes for well-done. Remember, the chops will continue to cook slightly during the glazing process. Give your prepared glaze a quick shake to reincorporate any settled ingredients. Brush the first side of the chops generously with the glaze, flip, and then brush the second side. Remove the glazed chops from the heat and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness.
- FINISH:
- Sprinkle the rested pork chops with finely chopped fresh chives just before serving for a touch of vibrant color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition