Smoky Wyoming Apple Cider Pork Chops: An Arteflame Grill Masterpiece

Introduction

There is something undeniably rustic and comforting about cooking outdoors, especially when the menu features the robust, earthy flavors of the American West. These Wyoming Apple Cider Pork Chops are designed specifically for the Arteflame grill, taking full advantage of its unique flat-top cooktop to lock in juices while caramelizing a sweet and savory glaze. The combination of tart apple cider, fragrant fresh sage, and a hint of brown sugar creates a marinade that not only tenderizes the meat but also builds a complex flavor profile that screams autumn comfort.

Using the Arteflame allows you to achieve a steakhouse-quality sear near the center grate while simultaneously roasting your side dishes on the cooler outer zones. Whether you are grilling under a starry Wyoming sky or enjoying a sunny afternoon backyard barbecue, this recipe captures the essence of harvest season. The high heat of the wood fire interacts with the natural sugars in the apple cider to create a beautiful, sticky char that you simply cannot replicate on a traditional gas grill.

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Glaze

• 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
• 2 cups unfiltered apple cider
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For Grilling

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or grapeseed oil (for the cooktop)
• 2 whole apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into rings
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chopped sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture to use as a basting glaze later; set it aside in the refrigerator.
3. Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chops, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably up to 6 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Allow it to burn down for about 20 to 30 minutes until you have a bed of hot coals and the steel cooktop is thoroughly heated.
2. Identify your heat zones: the area closest to the center opening will be your high-heat searing zone, while the outer edges will serve as the moderate temperature zone for finishing the meat and grilling the apple slices.
3. Scrape the cooktop clean if necessary and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the steel surface to season it and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the used marinade.
2. Place the chops directly onto the hot steel cooktop, near the center grate where the heat is most intense.
3. Sear undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep, golden-brown crust forms. The sugars from the cider will caramelize quickly, so watch closely to ensure they char pleasantly without burning.

Step 4: Baste and Finish

1. Once seared, move the pork chops to the cooler outer ring of the cooktop to finish cooking gently.
2. Brush the chops generously with the reserved glaze you set aside earlier. Flip them occasionally, basting every time, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
3. While the chops finish, place the apple rings on the cooktop and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Remove the chops and apples from the grill and let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

Mastering the Arteflame cooktop is all about heat management, which is crucial for recipes involving sugar-based marinades like apple cider. Because the marinade contains brown sugar and natural fruit sugars, it can burn if left in the high-heat center zone for too long. The secret is to get a hard, fast sear in the center for texture, then immediately move the protein to the outer edge to bring it up to temperature slowly. This technique ensures the inside is juicy and cooked through without turning the outside into charcoal.

Additionally, always use a meat thermometer. Pork chops are prone to drying out if overcooked. Pull them off the grill exactly when they hit 140°F to 145°F. The residual heat will carry over the cooking process slightly while they rest. Resting the meat is non-negotiable; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chop, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your specific taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand in your pantry. You can easily shift the flavor profile from sweet and savory to spicy or herbaceous with just a few simple tweaks. Here are a few ways to customize your Wyoming-style feast:

• The Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a sweet heat that cuts through the richness of the pork.
• Bourbon Glazed: Replace the apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of good quality bourbon or whiskey for a deeper, oaky flavor profile.
• Maple Twist: Substitute the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a distinctively different autumnal sweetness.
• Herb Garden: Swap the sage for fresh rosemary and oregano if you prefer a more earth-forward, savory taste without the strong pine notes of sage.
• Stone Fruit Swap: In late summer, use peach nectar instead of apple cider and grill fresh peach halves alongside the pork.

Best pairings

To create a complete meal that honors the hearty spirit of this dish, you need sides that can stand up to the bold flavors of the cider glaze. Since you are already cooking on the Arteflame, it makes sense to utilize the flat top for your side dishes as well. This keeps the cleanup minimal and imparts that signature wood-fired flavor to the entire meal.

• Cast Iron Potatoes: Sliced potatoes fried in duck fat or butter directly on the cooktop until crispy are the ultimate comfort pairing.
• Charred Brussels Sprouts: Toss sprouts in olive oil and bacon bits, then grill them on the flat top until the outer leaves are crispy and blackened.
• Grilled Cornbread: Slice prepared cornbread and toast it on the grill surface with a little butter for a smoky, crispy edge.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice blend with dried cranberries complements the apple notes in the pork perfectly.

Conclusion

These Wyoming Apple Cider Pork Chops represent the pinnacle of outdoor fall cooking. By combining fresh ingredients with the versatility of the Arteflame grill, you transform a simple cut of meat into a centerpiece dish that is bursting with flavor. The interplay between the smoky wood fire, the tart apple, and the savory pork creates a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. It is a recipe that invites you to slow down, stand by the fire, and appreciate the process of creating a meal from scratch.

We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your outdoor cooking rotation. Whether you are hosting a large gathering or just making a special dinner for the family, the aroma of sizzling sage and caramelized apples is sure to draw everyone to the grill. Fire up your Arteflame, pour a glass of cider, and enjoy the delicious results of your grilling mastery.