Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Glaze - South Dakota Style

Introduction

Get ready to fire up your Arteflame grill for an unforgettable South Dakota BBQ experience with these Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Glaze. Thick, bone-in pork chops are seared on the blazing-hot center grill grate at over 1,000°F to lock in the juices, then gently cooked on the flat griddle to juicy perfection. Brushed with a sweet and tangy homemade apple glaze, these chops deliver classic American flavor with a gourmet twist. Learn how to master reverse searing and create a meal your guests won’t forget—all without using a single pan or oven.

Ingredients

• 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for griddle)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple jelly
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Get your Arteflame grill ready for grilling

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins. Your grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Season the pork chops

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Make the apple glaze

1. On the hot portion of the cooktop, combine apple cider, apple jelly, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
2. Stir occasionally, and let it reduce until syrupy, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the pork chops

1. Place pork chops directly on the center grill grate at 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side to create a caramelized crust and lock in juices.

Step 5: Finish cooking on the flat griddle

1. Move seared pork chops to the flat cooktop closer to the center to maintain medium-high heat.
2. Add a bit of butter under each chop for enhanced flavor.
3. Continue cooking until the internal temperature is 15°F below your desired doneness (135°F for medium, remove at 120°F).
4. Brush pork chops generously with your apple glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove the pork chops and let them rest for 5–10 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve with remaining glaze.

Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to get perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
• Don’t skip resting the meat—this is key for juiciness.
• Always use butter on the cooktop for rich, golden browning.
• Adjust chop placement on the griddle to suit the heat zone—hotter near the center, cooler at the edge.
• The Arteflame grill’s solid steel cooktop means your food won’t burn—just sizzle to perfection.

Variations

1. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops: Substitute the apple jelly with maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon bourbon for a smoky-sweet flavor.
2. Peach Chipotle Pork Chops: Use peach preserves instead of apple jelly and add chipotle in adobo for a Southern, spicy finish.
3. Garlic Herb Pork Chops: Skip the glaze and top chops with roasted garlic butter and freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
4. BBQ Glazed Pork Chops: Replace apple glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for classic American BBQ vibes.
5. Asian-Inspired Pork Chops: Make a glaze from soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for an umami kick.

Best pairings

• Grilled brussels sprouts or asparagus on the outer edge of the cooktop
• Charred corn on the cob with herbed butter
• Cast-iron skillet-style baked apples made directly on the griddle
• White wine—Riesling or a fruity Chardonnay
• Craft cider or a glass of bourbon

Conclusion

These Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Glaze are a South Dakota backyard BBQ classic, made better with the unbeatable engineering and versatility of your Arteflame grill. By mastering the reverse searing method and using simple ingredients enhanced by bold apple flavor, you’ll wow your guests with the perfect marriage of texture and taste—no pans, no oven, no cleanup. Just you, the fire, and incredible flavor.