Mississippi Grilled Southern Pork Chops

Introduction

These Mississippi Grilled Southern Pork Chops are packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Marinated in a rich sweet tea brine, then seared over 1,000F on the Arteflame center grill grate before finishing to perfection on the flat cooktop, this recipe ensures a juicy and caramelized crust every time. Fire up your Arteflame grill and enjoy true Southern-style pork chops grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 2 cups sweet tea
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the firewood to ignite and heat up the grill. In about 20 minutes, the grill will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork Chops

1. In a bowl, mix the sweet tea, kosher salt, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
3. Pour the sweet tea marinade over the chops, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Remove pork chops from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place each chop onto the center grill grate of the Arteflame, directly over high heat (1,000F) for an intense sear.
3. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until a deep browned crust forms.
4. Move the chops to the flat cooktop surface.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared pork chops to the outer flat cooktop (moderate heat zone).
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 135F.
3. Remove from the grill at 135F as the pork will continue to cook off the heat.
4. Let the chops rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips

• Always pat your pork chops dry before searing for a perfect crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy and prevent overcooking.
• Let the chops rest after grilling to lock in the juices.
• Adjust the location on the flat cooktop based on the heat zone for best results.

Variations

1. Honey Bourbon Glaze: Swap brown sugar for honey and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the marinade for a richer caramelized flavor.
2. Spicy Cajun Kick: Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne and replace smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning for bold spice.
3. Garlic Herb Butter: Melt butter with minced garlic and fresh rosemary, then baste chops in it while they cook on the flat cooktop.
4. Peach BBQ Fusion: Brush with peach BBQ sauce after searing for a sweet and smoky glaze.
5. Maple Mustard Glaze: Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a tangy glaze applied during the last minutes of grilling.

Best Pairings

• Grilled buttered cornbread
• Southern-style collard greens
• Smoky grilled potatoes
• Sweet honey-glazed carrots
• Refreshing Mississippi sweet tea

Conclusion

Mississippi Grilled Southern Pork Chops are an absolute delight when cooked on the Arteflame grill. By using intense heat for searing and gentle flat cooktop heat for finishing, you achieve the most flavorful and juicy pork chops every time. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends!