
Perfect Pork Chops from Black's Barbecue
Tender, juicy pork chops are within reach when you master the right techniques. Brining boosts moisture, while release cuts prevent curling. A compound butter finish creates a golden, flavorful crust. Follow these steps to transform simple chops into a delicious BBQ star.
Ingredients
For The Pork Chops
- 4 center-cut bone-in pork chops (½-inch thick)
- 4 cups water (for brine)
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Butter Mixture for Cooking
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
Finishing Compound Butter
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives, minced
Instructions
Brine the Chops (Essential for Juiciness)
- Combine water, salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir until dissolved.
- Submerge the pork chops and brine for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- *Why brine? Pork chops are naturally lean. Brining infuses moisture, making them more forgiving on the grill
Prep the Chops
- Pat the chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Make two small cuts through the outer fat layer of each chop to prevent curling on the grill.
- *If using thin chops, dry-brine with salt and rest them uncovered on a cooling rack in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
Apply Butter Mixture
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture evenly on both sides of the chops.
- *Why butter? It aids in browning and enhances caramelization through the Maillard reaction.
Grill the Chops
- Preheat the grill to high heat (450℉-500℉).
- Clean and oil the grill grates.
- Sear over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side for ½-inch chops, or until they reach 140℉ internally.
- Move to indirect heat if additional time is needed.
- Rest under foil for 5-10 minutes; carryover cooking will bring them to 145℉.
Finish with Compound Butter
- Combine softened butter, lemon zest, and chives.
- Spread the compound butter over the chops just before serving for a luxurious, herby finish.
Notes
Pitmaster’s Tips:
- Prevent Curling: Those two small cuts keep the fat from shrinking unevenly.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting helps juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!