Grill/Barbecue

Orange & Molasses Grilled Pork Chops

by:
August 11, 2009
4
1 Ratings
Orange & Molasses Grilled Pork Chops
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

Orange & molasses is a great flavor combo, with its rich sweetness and bright citrus flavors. The brine infuses the chops, which get grilled and slathered in a homemade bbq sauce. —Stefano Coppola

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Orange-Molasses Brine
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 3 quarts orange juice
  • 4 juniper berries
  • 1 bunch thyme
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 6 pork chops, center cut, double thick
  • Orange-Molasses BBQ Sauce
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 14 ounces can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 oranges, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • salt & pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Combine all brine ingredients, except chops, in a large saucepot and bring to a boil. Let cool. This can be done well in advanced and refridgerated.
  2. Add chops and refridgerate for at least 2 hours, preferrably overnight.
  3. Make BBQ sauce. Start by sweating the onion, celery, & bell pepper over medium-low heat with a lage pinch of salt. When onions are translucent, about 8 minutes, add garlic. Sweat 5 more minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  4. Deglaze with vinegar.
  5. Add tomatoes, molasses, sugar, orange juice & zest, and paprika.
  6. Simmer for 30 minutes, add bourbon. Simmer 5 minutes longer.
  7. Allow to cool until safe to blend in a blender or food processor.
  8. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
  9. Remove chops from brine and pat dry. Do not add additional salt.
  10. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill (closed) to desired doneness, about 8 minutes per side for medium.
  11. Serve with sauce.
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1 Review

FrozenFoodie
FrozenFoodie August 16, 2010
I've never brined meat before, but this made the chops super tender. We loved the BBQ sauce and saved the leftover to use on grilled chicken. Thanks for sharing!