Grilled Wild Boar Chops with Apple Relish - West Virginia BBQ

Introduction

Grilling wild boar brings a rich, gamey flavor that truly shines when seared on a high-heat grill like the Arteflame. This West Virginia-style recipe pairs thick, juicy wild boar chops with a perfectly caramelized apple relish—all cooked outdoors, fire-kissed and flavorful without ever using an oven or pan. The Arteflame grill’s center sear zone and wide flat cooktop provide the ideal surface to achieve a steakhouse-quality finish while keeping the rustic charm of wood-fired grilling alive. Let’s fire up the grill and create a dish that’s both impressive and irresistibly tasty.

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a few tablespoons of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill's center.
2. Stack dry firewood over the oiled napkins forming a teepee structure.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to grow. In about 20 minutes, you'll have a perfectly hot grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Wild Boar Chops

1. Pat the wild boar chops dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme.
3. Brush the chops with melted butter for enhanced caramelization.

Step 3: Sear the Boar Chops

1. Place the chops directly on the center grill grate where the heat exceeds 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes to lock in juices and build a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Cook to Desired Doneness

1. Move the seared chops to the flat cooktop griddle, closer to the outer edge to lower the heat slightly.
2. Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 15°F below your desired doneness. (Pull at 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium.)
3. Rest the meat for 5–10 minutes off the grill to let carryover heat finish the cooking.

Step 5: Make the Caramelized Apple Relish

1. On the flat griddle near the center (hotter zone), melt butter and add diced apples and red onion.
2. Sauté until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if using. Stir until thick, sticky, and golden brown.
4. Move to a cooler zone of the cooktop to keep warm until serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the wild boar chops and top each one generously with apple relish.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the depth of fire-grilled flavor.

Tips

• Always pull your wild boar chops off the grill 15°F before your target temperature. Carryover heat will finish the job perfectly.
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—wild boar is lean and can dry out quickly if overcooked.
• Let the meat rest to reabsorb its juices. This prevents dryness and adds tenderness.
• Don’t skip the butter; it enhances caramelization and adds richness to both the chops and the apple relish.
• Use the Arteflame’s heat zones wisely: sear at the center, finish cooking at the outer griddle ring.

Variations

1. Spiced Maple Chops: Add a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of allspice to the apple relish for an autumn-inspired bite.
2. Rosemary Garlic Chops: Swap thyme for chopped fresh rosemary and toss in minced garlic for a robust herb profile.
3. Smoky Bacon Apple Chops: Grill diced bacon alongside the apples for a smoky, salty-sweet relish.
4. Peach Relish Variation: Substitute peaches for apples in the relish for a brighter, summertime twist.
5. Bourbon-Glazed Wild Boar: Brush the chops with a light bourbon glaze after searing and add a splash of bourbon to the apple relish for extra depth.

Best pairings

• Drink: A bold Zinfandel or dark lager beer to complement the rich game flavor.
• Side: Grilled fingerling potatoes with parsley butter or charred asparagus on the Arteflame griddle.
• Salad: Arugula with toasted pecans and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
• Bread: Flame-toasted sourdough slices brushed with garlic butter.

Conclusion

This West Virginia-inspired grilled wild boar chops recipe is a celebration of outdoor cooking. The Arteflame grill’s intense center heat and buttery flat top griddle deliver unbeatable texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Paired with the sweet-tart apple relish and a touch of firewood aroma, it’s rustic grilling elegance at its finest.