Mesquite Grilled Pork Chops With Apple Salsa Food

GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH SAUTEED APPLES, ONION RINGS AND MUSTARD GREENS

Steps:

• There are rubs and there are brines. A brine is a slower process where the rub, sugar and salt are diluted to penetrate the protein and break it down so that the meat is juicy, flavorful and tender after cooked. I love brined pork and chicken, but if I am cooking late and didn't think about it the day before, I will have to do a nice rub on the meat, which is just more concentrated and expedited, and that's what I have here. Pork chops go with so many accompaniments but I do love the acidity of apples or an applesauce with pork chops and the bite of mustard greens. You can use mizuna, or arugula if you cannot find mustard greens. Also, you can put a schmear of hot mustard mixed with a little honey or molasses on the plate instead for the kick. I like onion rings, in general. My other favorite accompaniment to pork chops is kimchee tossed with some fresh fruit such as peaches or plums.
• To cook the pork chops: Grind all the spices together with the sugar and rub all over the pork chops. Set aside for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature.
• Preheat the grill on high or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop and preheat the oven to 375 degrees (Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan if cooking in cast iron).
• Cook the pork on one side for 4 to 5 minutes on the grill or in cast iron. Flip over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the grill; if cooking in cast iron, flip the chop and transfer to the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
• To cook the sauteed apples: In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, 1 tablespoon water and a drop of lemon juice. Cook until sugar caramelizes to golden brown. Turn off the heat and add the apple slices and star anise. Return the pan to medium-high heat, stir in the butter and remaining lemon juice. Saute, stirring, for 2 minutes, adding the brandy in the last minute of cooking with a pinch of salt. Simmer briefly to burn off the alcohol and thicken the caramel. Set aside.
• To cook the onion rings: Bring the canola oil to 360 degrees F in a large pot. Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish or bowl. Dip the onion rings in the flour mixture to dredge, shaking off any excess. Dip in the buttermilk to coat, and then back into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour. Working in batches, fry the rings until light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
• Serve the pork chops with the sauteed apples, onion rings and mustard greens.

MESQUITE GRILLED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Place mesquite chips in water and let soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Set pork chops out at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before grilling.
• Combine all paste ingredients.
• Spread paste mixture on pork chops covering all sides completely using all of the mixture.
• Drain mesquite chips and place in a small disposable aluminum foil pan.
• Preheat gas grill on high until hot using both burners.
• Lift up grate on one side and place aluminum foil pan directly on fire.
• Sear the pork chops over direct heat for about 6 minutes turning once halfway through searing time.
• Turn fire down to medium heat under aluminum foil pan hodling mesquite chips and turn off fire on the other burner.
• Place pork chops on grill side with no heat.
• Continue to cook with lid closed over indirect medium heat until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, about 25 minutes.
• Remove from grill, cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

MESQUITE GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH SWEET ONION

Steps:

• In large shallow dish or resealable food-storage plastic bag, mix marinade mix, water and oil. Add pork chops and onion; turn to coat. Cover dish or seal bag; refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate.
• Heat gas or charcoal grill.
• When grill is heated, remove pork and onion from marinade; reserve marinade. Place pork and onion on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill over medium coals; cover grill. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, turning once and brushing frequently with marinade, until pork is no longer pink in center. Discard any remaining marinade.

MESQUITE GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH APPLE SALSA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine applesauce, onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and white pepper. Refrigerate several hours, or overnight.
• Season chops with garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
• Sprinkle soaked wood over coals, or place in the smoker box of a gas grill. Lightly oil grate, and place chops on grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. Serve with applesauce salsa.

APPLESAUCE-GLAZED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place pork chops in a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet. Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl; spoon over chops., Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 145°, 20-25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

GRILLED PORK AND APPLES

Steps:

• Place meat in a plastic bag.
• In a small bowl, mix apple and lemon juices, sage, brown sugar and onion and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Pour over meat.
• Close bag tightly and turn to coat chops well.
• Place in a bowl and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• Remove chops from marinade and drain well.
• Place marinade in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and continue to boil for one full minute.
• Grill chops over hot coals for 20 minutes, turning and basting with marinade occasionally.
• Core apples but do not peel.
• Cut into thick rings.
• Brush apples with marinade and place on grill around pork.
• Continue grilling pork and apples until pork is done as desired and apples are tender, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from grill and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.