These juicy grilled pork chops are the perfect summer treat! The spicy peach glaze brings a sweet and zesty twist that makes each bite so flavorful.
Cooking these chops is super easy! I love serving them with salad or rice for a fresh meal. You might just find yourself licking the glaze off the plate—it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are the best choice for juiciness. They cook evenly and retain moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless loin chops or even chicken can work, but the flavor will change a bit.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is always my go-to for grilling. It adds great flavor. If you need a substitute, canola oil or avocado oil can work too; they have a higher smoke point.
Spices: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne gives a nice depth to the pork. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, just missing the smoky flavor. Feel free to use less cayenne if you prefer milder heat.
Peach Preserves: Using peach preserves as a base is fantastic. You can swap with apricot preserves or even mango if peaches aren’t available. For a fresher twist, try blending fresh peaches instead, but cook them down a little longer.
How Do You Grill Pork Chops for the Best Flavor and Moisture?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll have delicious and juicy results. Start by ensuring your chops are pat dry—this helps the seasoning stick and promotes a good sear.
- Rub the marinade generously on both sides of the chops. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheating the grill is crucial. Aim for medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F, so the chops sear quickly and lock in juices.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them for nice grill marks. Always flip just once.
- Brush on the spicy peach glaze during the last few minutes. This adds a sticky sweetness that balances the spices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—145°F is perfect for juicy pork.
Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. So you can have succulent, flavorful pork chops ready in about 30-35 minutes total. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure they grill nicely. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Once your seasoning mix is ready, rub it evenly all over both sides of the pork chops. This will add great flavor!
2. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill nice and hot! Preheat it to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F to 450°F. This is the perfect temperature for getting a nice sear on your pork chops.
3. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, ground ginger, salt, and a little pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and starts to simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once your grill is ready, place the pork chops on it. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on one side. After that, flip them over and start brushing the tops with the spicy peach glaze. Grill for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures they’ll be juicy and safe to eat!
5. Glaze the Chops:
During the last minute of grilling, brush even more glaze on both sides of the pork chops. This will add an extra layer of flavor that’s just delicious!
6. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle in, making them even juicier! Serve with any leftover glaze on the side for dipping, if you’d like. Enjoy your juicy grilled pork chops with that spicy peach glaze! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but adjust the cooking time since they cook faster. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach the internal temperature of 145°F.
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No problem! You can substitute peach preserves with apricot preserves or any other fruit preserves you enjoy. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on the fruit used, so feel free to experiment!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a little extra glaze on top for moisture and flavor!
Can I Make the Glaze Spicier?
Definitely! If you’d like more heat, you can add more sriracha to the glaze or even some diced fresh jalapeños when cooking. Just be sure to taste as you go to reach your desired spice level!
