Arizona Grilled Prickly Pear Pork Chops

Introduction

These tender, flavorful pork chops are brushed with a tangy prickly pear glaze and expertly grilled on the Arteflame. With a perfect sear at 1,000°F and a juicy finish, this recipe brings out the best in your pork chops while letting you grill everything at once. Let’s fire up the Arteflame and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 cup prickly pear syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to develop.
4. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the cooktop develops optimal heat zones.

Step 2: Make the Prickly Pear Glaze

1. In a bowl, mix prickly pear syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Set aside half of the glaze for brushing onto the pork chops while grilling.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Rub the pork chops with a little butter for extra flavor.
2. Place the pork chops on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F for 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Move the pork chops to the outer griddle to continue cooking to the desired doneness.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

1. Brush the prickly pear glaze generously onto both sides of the pork chops as they cook on the griddle.
2. Grill until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F (they will continue cooking off the grill to reach 145°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Letting the meat rest allows juices to redistribute, making the pork chops extra juicy.
• Use butter on the flat-top griddle for richer flavors.

Variations

• Spicy Prickly Pear Pork Chops: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder for extra smoky heat.
• Sweet and Tangy: Mix in 1 tbsp honey for a touch of extra sweetness.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the glaze for a fresh citrus boost.
• Herb-Infused: Sprinkle fresh rosemary and thyme over the pork chops before grilling.

Conclusion

This Arizona Grilled Prickly Pear Pork Chops recipe delivers an unbeatable flavor combination. Thanks to the Arteflame’s searing power and uniform heat control, you’ll get beautifully caramelized, juicy pork chops every time. Enjoy grilling your entire meal at once, and let the flavors of the Southwest shine!

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potatoes with butter and cinnamon
• Charred corn on the cob with lime and cotija cheese
• Fresh grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast
• A crisp, cold Arizona craft beer or a chilled prickly pear margarita