Ok, chops galore is a little bit of an exaggeration. But, let me tell you something about porkchops. Wait, is that one word or two? Anyways, they are my JAM! Seriously, I can’t get enough of these bad boys.
I really needed something new and exciting in the meat department. I cook a ton of chicken. Mostly, because I hate ground beef unless it is in the form of a big ol’ cheeseburger (sans bun, of course). I like steak just fine, but steak is one of those meats that is definitely better eaten fresh. I’m not above prepping and re-heating steak, but it is definitely not as good on day two. So that leaves, pork and lamb. But I’m kind of scared of “exotic” meats. Wait, is lamb exotic?
Anyway, so then a discovered pork chops. And I am thrilled. With a little seasoning and the right roasted vegetables – get in my belly! So, get yourselves ready for some pork chops in your future. Because that is what is new and exciting in my kitchen! Like these, maple bacon and sweet chili chops! But be prepared, because I am not afraid of sugar. Well, I’m not afraid of natural sugar. So, both these recipes contain sugar and I don’t think they would taste very good without it. But for you, my friends, I will work on some sugar free goodness to send your way soon!
Maple Bacon Porkchops + Sweet Chili Porkchops
What You Need
6 pork chops (3 for maple, 3 for chili)
For the Maple Bacon Chops
¼ cup maple syrup
4 strips bacon, cooked
1 tbs ghee (or melted butter)
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of coriander
Pinch of salt + pepper (do you like my super technical measurements?)
For the Sweet Chili Chops
1 ½ tbs yellow mustard
2 tbs honey
1 tbs chili powder
Dash of salt + pepper to taste
What to Do
Preheat oven to 350° and grease two small shallow baking dishes.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, ghee, and seasonings. In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the sweet chili pork chops.
Using a tong, dredge three pork chops through the maple bacon mixture, coating both sides and place in one baking dish and crumble bacon on top. Dredge the remaining three pork chops through the sweet chili mixture and place in the second baking dish. Pour the remaining mixture on their respective chops.
Cook to an internal temperature of about 145° – 20 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chips.
Here are my thoughts and recommendations:
- I loved the maple bacon pork chops. I mean c’mon, they have bacon on top! The sweet chili pork chops are great too. But the maple bacon has my heart.
- Of course, either mixture can be doubled to coat 6 pork chops instead of three.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes or sautéed asparagus! See below for the scrumptious roasted potatoes that I paired these with!
Roasted Potatoes
What You Need
1/2 lb mini gourmet potatoes (red, gold, heirloom)
2 tbs brown butter ghee
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt + pepper to taste
What to Do
Preheat oven to 350° and grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
Cut potatoes into quarters and spread out in a large glass baking dish. Toss in butter and garlic cloves. Place in preheated oven.
Let bake for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir well to mix in the melted butter and garlic. Place back in oven.
Let bake for about 45 minutes and then enjoy!
Meals by Meg 