Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Zesty Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce
Discover a dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table: these incredible Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops, generously coated in a homemade Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce. Forget bland and boring pork chops; this recipe is designed to deliver a truly memorable meal. Featuring tender, boneless pork chops seasoned with a robust spice blend and paired with a tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce, it’s a culinary experience that promises to impress.
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The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Dish
For many home cooks, flipping through a food magazine can be a truly inspiring experience. A captivating cover photo of a delicious meal often sparks an immediate desire to recreate it in your own kitchen. This particular recipe originated from just such an encounter. I remember vividly when the June issue of Cooking Light magazine arrived, its cover adorned with a stunning image of Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Barbecue Sauce, accompanied by Grilled Corn on the Cob with smoked butter, and a Tangy Mustard Coleslaw. The vibrant colors and enticing description immediately captured my imagination.
At the time, personal circumstances — specifically, the joys and challenges of pregnancy — meant my kitchen adventures were on hold. The magazine sat patiently on my kitchen counter for weeks, a constant, delicious reminder of the meal I longed to make. Despite numerous attempts to put it away, I simply couldn’t bring myself to do it. It was a commitment, a promise to myself that I would eventually bring that mouth-watering vision to life. Finally, earlier this month, the stars aligned, and I dedicated a wonderful afternoon to creating this long-anticipated culinary masterpiece. The wait, I assure you, was entirely worth it.
Making It My Own: Adaptations and Culinary Success
While the original Cooking Light recipe called for a pork tenderloin and tangy mustard coleslaw, I embraced the spirit of home cooking by making a few practical adaptations. My garden was overflowing with ripe squash and zucchini, making them the perfect, fresh substitute for the coleslaw. It’s always a delight to incorporate homegrown produce into a meal, adding a personal touch and vibrant flavors. Additionally, I had a stash of boneless pork chops in the freezer, which were a fantastic alternative to the tenderloin. These adjustments not only utilized what I had on hand but also made the meal uniquely my own, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
The resulting meal was incredibly fulfilling. The star, without a doubt, was the homemade Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce. Its complex profile, boasting notes of tangy mustard, rich smoky bacon, and just the right hint of sweetness, was everything I had envisioned and more. This sauce is so good, it’s destined to become a staple in my kitchen. As for the pork chops themselves, the spice rub delivered a bold kick. While my palate, altered slightly by pregnancy, found them a touch on the spicier side than my usual preference for milder flavors, the overall balance with the sweet and tangy sauce was impeccable. These Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops truly encapsulate my idea of a perfect summer meal – flavorful, satisfying, and bursting with character.
Why These Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes these spice-rubbed pork chops with mustard bacon barbecue sauce an absolute must-try? It’s a combination of several factors that elevate a simple pork chop into an extraordinary dining experience. First, the pork chops themselves. Boneless pork chops are incredibly versatile and cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight dinners. They provide a lean canvas for our powerful flavor profile.
The Power of the Rub
The spice rub is where the magic begins. It’s a carefully balanced blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a savory-sweet crust; smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of campfire aroma; chili powder and cumin bring warmth and earthy notes; and garlic salt and pepper provide essential foundational seasoning. This rub doesn’t just flavor the surface; it infuses the meat with an irresistible aroma and taste that complements the pork without overpowering it.
The Glory of Homemade Barbecue Sauce
But let’s talk about that sauce. While store-bought barbecue sauces are convenient, nothing compares to the freshness and complexity of a homemade version, especially one featuring bacon! Starting with crispy, chopped bacon, you render out that delicious fat, which then becomes the base for sautéing sweet onions. This creates a deeply flavorful foundation. Yellow mustard provides the classic tangy backbone, while honey adds natural sweetness and a lovely glaze. Ketchup thickens and contributes to the classic BBQ flavor, and cider vinegar brightens everything up with its sharp acidity. A final touch of chili powder and cumin in the sauce ties it back to the rub on the pork, creating a cohesive flavor profile that sings with every bite.
Grilling for Perfection
Grilling these pork chops is the ideal cooking method, imbuing them with a smoky char and keeping them juicy. The high heat quickly sears the outside, locking in moisture and developing a beautiful crust from the spice rub. Achieving the perfect internal temperature is key to tender pork chops, and our instructions guide you through ensuring they are cooked safely and to succulent perfection.
Essential Ingredients Breakdown and Tips
To ensure your Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce turn out perfectly every time, understanding your ingredients is key. Here’s a closer look:
For the BBQ Sauce:
- Bacon: Use a good quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor. The rendered fat is crucial for sautéing the onions and adding depth to the sauce.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic complexity once softened. Don’t rush this step; properly cooked onions contribute significantly to the sauce’s flavor.
- Prepared Yellow Mustard: This is the star. It provides the signature tanginess and bright color. Avoid fancy Dijon for this one; classic yellow mustard is what you need.
- Honey: Balances the tanginess of the mustard and adds a beautiful, sticky sweetness that caramelizes slightly when the sauce cooks down.
- Ketchup: Provides body, sweetness, and that unmistakable barbecue base flavor.
- Cider Vinegar: Essential for a well-balanced sauce, it cuts through the richness and adds a pleasant acidity.
- Chili Powder & Ground Cumin: These spices enhance the smoky and earthy notes, echoing the flavors in the pork rub for a harmonious dish.
For the Pork Chops:
- Boneless Pork Chops: Opt for chops that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures they remain juicy on the grill without drying out too quickly. Thinner chops will cook faster, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.
- Light Brown Sugar: Helps create a caramelized crust and adds a subtle sweetness to the rub.
- Smoked Paprika: A must-have! It delivers that characteristic smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled pork. Do not substitute with regular paprika if you want that smoky depth.
- Chili Powder, Garlic Salt, Ground Cumin, Freshly Ground Pepper: These form the aromatic and savory backbone of the rub, providing warmth, punginess, and a delightful spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your heat preference.
Mastering the Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this meal is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures the best results. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Crafting the Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce:
- Crisp the Bacon: In a medium saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nearly crisp. This step extracts the maximum flavor from the bacon. Drain off all but about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat. This small amount of fat is crucial for sautéing the onions and building a rich flavor base.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan with the reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This process sweetens the onions and mellows their raw flavor.
- Combine & Simmer: Stir in the prepared yellow mustard, honey, ketchup, cider vinegar, chili powder, and ground cumin. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens to your desired consistency. Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the pork chops.
Grilling the Perfect Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops:
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. Achieving the right temperature is essential for a good sear and even cooking.
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic salt, ground cumin, and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Season the Pork Chops: Generously rub the spice mixture over all surfaces of the boneless pork chops. Ensure each chop is evenly coated for maximum flavor and crust development.
- Grill the Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops on the preheated grill. Cook them, turning once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. For chops about 1.5 inches thick, this typically takes around 12 minutes in total. Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature for food safety and optimal doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chops reach 140°F, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a clean plate. Cover the plate loosely with aluminum foil and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the internal temperature to rise to a safe and juicy 145°F, and helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and moist results.
- Enjoy: Serve the perfectly grilled, spice-rubbed pork chops immediately with the warm, homemade Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce spooned generously over the top.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce are a meal in themselves, but they truly shine when paired with complementary side dishes. To echo the original inspiration, a simple grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing coleslaw would be excellent choices. However, don’t limit yourself!
- Fresh Vegetables: Roasted or grilled asparagus, green beans, or the aforementioned squash and zucchini are fantastic options. Their fresh flavors provide a nice contrast to the rich pork and sauce.
- Potato Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, or a classic potato salad would soak up the delicious barbecue sauce wonderfully.
- Grains: A light quinoa salad, rice pilaf, or even a simple side of fluffy white rice can balance the meal.
- Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread or warm cornbread to mop up any extra sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can achieve delicious results by pan-searing or baking the pork chops. For pan-searing, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Cook the seasoned chops for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), sear the chops in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop for 2 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until done.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the rub?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder in the spice rub. For a bolder kick, you can increase it slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How do I know when the pork chops are cooked perfectly?
The best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork chops is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone (if applicable). Pork is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. By removing them at 140°F and letting them rest, they will reach the ideal final temperature while staying incredibly juicy.
Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce
Pin Recipe
These Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Mustard Bacon Barbecue Sauce are pork chops with a punch! Boneless pork chops are enhanced with a simple rub, then served with an easy homemade barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce:
- 4 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 5 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Pork Chops:
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4-5 boneless pork chops, each 1 1/2 inches thick (about 2 1/2 lbs total)
Instructions
To make the BBQ sauce:
- Cook the bacon in a medium saucepan until almost crisp. If necessary, drain the grease, reserving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the mustard, honey, ketchup, vinegar, chili powder and cumin. Stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, 4-5 minutes. Keep warm.
To make the pork chops:
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic salt, cumin and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork chops. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook, turning once, until the internal temperature is 140ºF, about 12 minutes total. Remove from the grill to a plate and cover with foil. Let sit for 5 minutes to let the temperature come up to 145ºF.
- Serve the pork chops with the BBQ sauce.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from Cooking Light June 2008
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.
Nutrition Information
Looking for More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed these flavorful pork chops, you’ll love exploring other ways to prepare this versatile cut of meat. Here are some more inspiring recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Italian Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Pork Chops with Dijon Mushrooms
- Breaded Pork Chops with Cream Gravy
- Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Panko Pork Chops with Creamy Herb Dressing