Grilled Applewood Smoked Pork Chops
The rub used on the pork chops is a version of the Asian five-spice powder. A homemade mustard sauce, spiked with bourbon, tops the chops.

Ingredients
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4 boneless pork top loin chops, cut 1-1/2 inches thick
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2 tablespoons Pork Dry Rub (recipe follows) or your favorite barbecue spice rub**
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6 to 8 apple, cherry or orange wood chunks
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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1 small clove garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons bourbon or apple juice
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2/3 cup chicken stock or broth
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1/3 cup yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
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2 tablespoons honey
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Salt and ground black pepper
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Cornbread stuffing
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Apple cut into julienne strips
Directions
1.
Trim fat from chops. Place chops in a single layer in a shallow dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the Pork Dry Rub evenly over chops; rub in with your fingers. Cover and chill for 2 to 4 hours.
2.
At least 1 hour before smoke cooking, soak the wood chunks in enough water to cover. Drain before using.
3.
In a smoker arrange preheated coals, drained wood chunks and water pan according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour water into pan. Place chops on the grill rack over water pan. Cover; smoke for 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until the juices run clear (160 degrees F). Add additional coals and water as needed to maintain temperature and moisture.
4.
Meanwhile, for mustard sauce, in a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple, onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Add bourbon and vinegar. Cook and stir over medium heat until liquid is reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add chicken stock; bring to boiling and cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in mustards. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 minute, stirring often. Remove from heat; add honey. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Carefully add sauce to a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until smooth. Serve warm sauce over chops. Top with apple, if you like. Makes 4 servings.
Pork Dry Rub
In a small cast-iron or heavy skillet, combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon whole cloves and 1 tablespoon whole allspice. Toast and stir over low heat on a gas range for 1 to 2 minutes or until seeds become fragrant and lightly colored. (For an electric range use medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes). Cool completely. In a spice or coffee grinder, combine cooled seed mixture, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon coarse (kosher) salt, 2 teaspoons whole pink peppercorns, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, and 1 two-inch cinnamon stick. Cover and pulse until coarsely ground. Makes about 1/2 cup.
Note
Choose a rub that is not too high in sugar. Rubs high in sugar tend to overbrown during long cooking.
Nutrition information
Calories 594, Total Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 178 mg, Sodium 1066 mg, Carbohydrate 20 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 71 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 8%, Calcium 9%, Iron 17%.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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