Honey-Maple Glazed Pork Chops

The best complement for any cut of pork is sugar. It helps bring out the natural sweetness that is found in the pork. The combination of the sugar seasoning coating and the honey and maple syrup complement the natural sweetness of the pork chops without becoming over sweet. These honey-maple glazed pork chops have a great smokey char that gets in cased in the sweet honey-maple glaze. The addition of the mustard and vinegar help make the glaze stick to the pork chops unlike most glazes that get melted right off while on the grill. Check out the recipe below in post.

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Rubbing the pork in a sugar seasoning mixture helps make texture, kind of like sandpaper on the surface of the pork chops which helps hold the glaze better onto the pork. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl. With a paper towel pat dry the pork chops on both sides. Rub the sugar mixture over the pork chops. Let rest at room temperature while making the glaze. 

In a small sauce pan, whisk the vinegar, cornstarch, maple syrup, honey and Dijon mustard until no lumps remain. Add the thyme leaves and cayenne pepper. Whisk over medium heat and heat to a boil and reduce heat to medium low and let reduce to about 1/3 cup remains, about 5-7 minutes.

Heat your grill or pan to medium high heat. Oil the pan or grill grates and cook the pork chops on each side for 3-5 minutes on each side until pork registers 140 degrees. Brush the glaze over the pork chops and let it caramelize on each side, about 1 minute per side. Place on a plate and cover. 

 Let the pork chop rest for 5 minutes then brush with the remaining glaze. Serve.

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