Maple Sauced Pork Chops are a delectable dish that brings together the rich flavors of maple syrup, savory spices, and succulent pork chops. This recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty meal, combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of ketchup and the warmth of spices to create a mouthwatering sauce that elevates simple pork chops to gourmet status. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this impressive dish in no time, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Maple Sauced Pork Chops
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Ketchup |
| 1 cup | Maple syrup |
| 3/4 cup | Dry white wine |
| 1/4 cup | Water |
| 1 tsp | Instant chicken bouillon |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 3 cloves | Garlic |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground ginger |
| 1 tsp | Thyme |
| 1 tsp | Basil |
| 1/2 tsp | Chili powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Dry mustard |
| 1/2 tsp | Sea salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Fresh ground pepper |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 4 | Pork chops |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, dry white wine, water, instant chicken bouillon, bay leaf, minced garlic cloves, ground ginger, thyme, basil, chili powder, dry mustard, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and ground cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Grill the Pork Chops:
- While the sauce is simmering, preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, if desired, then place them on the preheated grill.
- Grill the pork chops for approximately 20 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time.
-
Brush with Sauce:
- After the pork chops have cooked for 20 minutes, generously brush them with the prepared maple sauce, ensuring each chop is coated evenly.
- Continue grilling the pork chops for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), as measured with a meat thermometer.
- While grilling, brush the chops with the maple sauce occasionally to build up flavor and glaze.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pork chops are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
- Serve the Maple Sauced Pork Chops hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Enjoy the tender, juicy pork chops infused with the sweet and savory flavors of the maple sauce, sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your hunger cravings.
-
Keep the Sauce Warm:
- To keep the maple sauce warm while grilling the pork chops, simply leave the saucepan on the grill, adjusting the heat to maintain a low simmer.
- This ensures that the sauce remains hot and ready to be brushed onto the chops, enhancing their flavor with every baste.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 536.9
- Fat Content: 14.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5g
- Cholesterol Content: 75mg
- Sodium Content: 1047.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 71.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 62.1g
- Protein Content: 24g
Recipe Notes:
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your personal taste preferences. You can add more or less of any spice to suit your palate.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the pork chops in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, following the same instructions for basting with the maple sauce.
- Leftover maple sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.
