Smoked Pork Chops with BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 thick-cut bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Phoenix Sauces' Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce)
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended) for smoking
For the Dry Rub (optional):
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Chops
- Seasoning: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. If using the dry rub, combine all the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Let the chops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepping the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Step 2: Smoking the Pork Chops
- Smoking: Place the seasoned pork chops on the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). For juicier chops, aim for a slightly lower temperature, around 140°F (60°C), as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the smoker.
- Resting: Remove the smoked pork chops from the smoker and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful chops.
Step 3: Searing and Smothering with BBQ Sauce
- Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the smoked pork chops. Sear each side for about 2 minutes to create a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Smothering with Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork chops, using a spoon to coat them evenly. Let the chops simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are well-coated.
Step 4: Serving
- Serve: Transfer the BBQ-smothered pork chops to a plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over them. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- For added flavor: Marinate the pork chops in the dry rub for several hours or overnight in the fridge before smoking.
- Smoking time: Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. A meat thermometer is essential to get perfectly cooked pork chops.
- BBQ sauce: You can also brush the chops with BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes of smoking for an additional layer of flavor.
This method provides a smoky, tender pork chop with a deliciously sweet and spicy BBQ glaze. Enjoy!