Smoked Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Additional Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
286 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Smoked Pork Chops
Description
Smoked Pork Chops start with thick, bone-in pork chops soaked in a spiced brine of salt, sugar, allspice, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic, and thyme, which tenderizes the meat and builds flavor. After brining up to 24 hours, the chops are dried, coated with olive oil and BBQ rub, then seared quickly on a grill or skillet for a slightly charred surface. They are then finished by smoking at a low temperature around 250°F using apple wood, infusing a delicate smoky aroma throughout the meat.
The interplay between the brine’s aromatic spices and the gentle smoking produces chops that are juicy inside with a flavorful crust. This method balances tender texture with savory seasoning and a subtle smokiness that elevates the profile beyond a typical grilled pork chop.
These smoked chops can be enjoyed as a main protein with sides of vegetables or grains. The smoke and spices add complexity that pairs well with fresh or roasted seasonal sides.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops at least 1 1/2 inches thick, thick cut, bone-in
- 8 cups water divided use
- 1/4 cup kosher salt do not use table salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds lightly crushed
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns whole
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 prigs thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons bbq rub
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water into a large bowl that will fit all of the pork chops. Make sure the bowl will fit into your refrigerator.
- Add the salt and sugar to the water and stir until dissolved
- Add the allspice, fennel seeds, peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic and thyme to the bowl.
- Add 7 cups of very cold water to the bowl and stir to combine
- Place the pork chops in the bowl, making sure that they're completely submerged. You can add more water if needed.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels
- Preheat an electric smoker to 250 degrees F. Load apple wood chips into the smoker.
- Preheat a grill, skillet or grill pan to medium high heat
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pork chops, then rub the BBQ spice onto both sides.
- Place the pork chops on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until just slightly charred.
- Place the pork in the smoker and cook for 45-60 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop registers 145 degrees F.
- Let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes, then serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 286 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 286kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 664mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 545mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 35IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1.9mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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