Irresistible Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops: The Ultimate Grilling Recipe for a “Wow-Factor” Meal
Imagine succulent pork chops, infused with the sweet and spicy essence of an apple moonshine brine, perfectly seasoned, grilled to juicy perfection, and then brushed with a tantalizing sweet glaze. These aren’t just any pork chops; they deliver a serious “wow-factor” that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Elevate Your Grilling: Pork Chops with Unforgettable Flavor
Finding the perfect dish for a special occasion, like a Father’s Day celebration, often calls for something extraordinary. I wanted to create a “manly meal” for my husband that went beyond the everyday, something truly remarkable. Pork chops immediately came to mind, but the challenge was to transform them into a culinary masterpiece with that undeniable “wow-factor” he deserved.
The classic pairing of pork and apple is timeless, bringing to mind the iconic “PORK CHOPS ‘n APPLE SAUCE!” A lightbulb moment struck when I remembered the apple moonshine I had on hand. What a unique and exciting twist that would be! I began searching for inspiration, found a promising recipe, and enthusiastically set out to adapt it, knowing this would be an unforgettable meal.
The secret to these incredibly flavorful pork chops lies in the unique apple moonshine brine, followed by a savory seasoning rub, and finally, a sweet, tangy glaze. This multi-layered approach ensures every bite is bursting with complex flavors and unmatched tenderness. The moonshine not only adds a subtle boozy kick but also tenderizes the meat beautifully, while the apple notes perfectly complement the pork.
Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops: Inaugurating a New Grill!
This summer, our family embarked on a little backyard remodel, and a crucial element missing was a new grill. Our old one had been the centerpiece of countless backyard BBQs and family gatherings over the last decade, faithfully serving us through many memorable moments. As our family grew and our outdoor entertaining expanded, it became clear we needed something a bit bigger and more robust.
So, for Father’s Day, my kids and I decided to surprise my husband with a magnificent new grill. And what could be better than unwrapping a brand-new grill? Getting to try it out immediately with an incredible recipe! This momentous occasion called for a recipe that was equally special, and these Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops proved to be the perfect choice to christen our new outdoor cooking station. The excitement of cooking on new equipment only added to the festive atmosphere.
On the day of the feast, I handled all the preliminary prep work, meticulously preparing the brine and seasoning blend. Then, my husband and our oldest son took charge of the grilling, turning the cooking into a fun, collaborative family event. The aroma of the seasoned pork chops hitting the hot grates was absolutely intoxicating, promising a delicious meal to come.
To complement these sensational pork chops, I served up some of my Homemade Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits and a fresh mixed greens salad, elevated with a decadent Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. Each element of the meal came together perfectly to create a truly memorable dining experience.
Historically, my grilling philosophy was quite simple: a little salt, a little pepper, and onto the grill. However, after making the incredibly popular Jack & Coke Steaks some time ago, I became a true convert to the power of marinades and brines. The difference is astounding – they make the meat so much more tender, incredibly juicy, and infuse it with layers of flavor that plain seasoning simply can’t achieve. The flavor of these apple moonshine pork chops was absolutely out of this world, a testament to the magic of a good marinade!
Indeed, there is nothing quite like a meal cooked on the grill, especially when it’s prepared with care and packed with flavor.
Mastering Pork Grilling: Tips for Juicier, More Flavorful Chops and Loins
When prepared correctly, grilled pork is truly outstanding – tender, juicy, and never dry. Many people lament that pork tends to be dry, and I’m here to tell you that this often happens because it’s simply overcooked. There’s a common misconception that cuts like pork loins and pork chops need to be cooked to 160 degrees F, similar to ground pork, to be considered “done.” This is a myth that often leads to dry, tough meat.
For the best-tasting, incredibly juicy, and never-dry pork chops and loins, the ideal internal temperature should be 145 degrees F. This temperature ensures optimal tenderness and flavor while remaining perfectly safe to eat. The Iowa Pork Producers Association offers excellent guidance on Safe Internal Pork Temperature, which is a fantastic resource for any home cook. My husband, who grew up on an Iowa farm raising hogs his entire life, can attest to the quality of properly cooked pork. As you can imagine, we deeply appreciate the legacy of Iowa farmers and agricultural communities in general, and pork is a beloved staple in our household.
Today, I’m excited to share not only the star recipe but also some of my other favorite pork grilling recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Country Style Pork Ribs
These ribs are a flavor explosion! Wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a delightful sweet and spicy sauce, they are incredibly tender and perfect for a crowd-pleasing barbecue. The bacon adds an extra layer of richness and a satisfying crunch.
Smoked Pork Loin
For a truly impressive and flavorful meal, try this smoked pork loin. Marinated and then cooked low and slow on a pellet grill, it develops an incredible smoky depth and remains unbelievably tender. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs
Craving fall-off-the-bone ribs but short on time? This Instant Pot recipe delivers incredibly tender BBQ pork ribs in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. The Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweetness and helps create a rich, savory sauce.
Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops
A classic and beloved recipe, Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops feature a simple yet incredibly flavorful barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. These chops are a timeless family favorite that are easy to prepare and always a hit.
BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs
These country-style pork ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, making them incredibly tender and ideal for absorbing a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. They’re hearty, satisfying, and perfect for your next backyard gathering or cozy family dinner.
Crafting the Perfect Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops
The journey to these outstanding Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops began with an online recipe that I lovingly adapted to suit our tastes and the ingredients I had on hand. While I opted for apple moonshine for its unique depth of flavor and tenderizing qualities, it’s worth noting that the original recipe called for apple cider. So, if moonshine isn’t your preference or readily available, feel free to substitute with apple cider for a delicious alcohol-free version.
One of the most impressive aspects of the online recipe I consulted was the precision of its grilling times. My husband, an experienced griller, was genuinely amazed that the chops were cooked to absolute perfection, achieving that ideal juicy tenderness without being overdone. The instructions for grilling were spot-on, a true testament to careful testing and attention to detail.
Even though I customized the brine and seasoning to elevate the flavor profile, I adhered strictly to the recommended grilling instructions. This ensured that despite my ingredient modifications, the cooking technique remained flawless, resulting in incredibly succulent and flavorful pork chops every time. The combination of a flavorful brine, a robust seasoning rub, and a sweet, apple-infused glaze creates a truly dynamic and irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Love This Recipe? Pin it for Later!
If you’re as excited as I am to try these incredible Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops, don’t let this recipe get lost! Make sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, you’ll always have this “wow-factor” meal at your fingertips when you’re ready to impress!
Dinner was a resounding success, thoroughly enjoyed by all, and I’m thrilled to report that my husband absolutely adores his new grill. He is an truly amazing man, and his Father’s Day deserved nothing less than a meal with a significant “wow-factor.” I sincerely hope he felt every bit of that appreciation and culinary magic!
Now, let’s dive into the details of this truly amazing grilled pork chop recipe using apple moonshine. Get ready to transform your next meal into a culinary triumph! 
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Print Recipe
Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients
- MEAT
- 6 Thick Cut Bone-In Pork Chops
- BRINE
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Hot Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tablespoons Boiling Water
- 2 cups Apple-Moonshine or substitute apple cider
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 6 Garlic Cloves minced
- SEASONING RUB
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Firmly Packed Dark Brown Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil for rubbing
- GLAZE
- 1/2 cup Apple Jelly
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Small Granny Smith Apple peeled, cored, and grated
- GARNISH
- 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Chives
Instructions
PREPARATION:
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Place the pepper flakes in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them, letting them sit for 5 minutes to rehydrate. In a blender (or using an immersion blender), combine the rehydrated pepper flakes with all the remaining brine ingredients (Apple-Moonshine, water, kosher salt, honey, and minced garlic cloves). Blend until well combined.
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Place the pork chops into an extra-large, re-sealable plastic bag (a 2-gallon size works well). Pour the prepared brine into the bag, pressing out any excess air before sealing. Roll the bag gently to ensure all the meat is evenly coated with the brine. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the pork chops brine for 3 to 4 hours, flipping the bag occasionally to redistribute the brine.
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In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all of the seasoning ingredients (chili powder, paprika, dark brown sugar, ground mustard, garlic salt, black pepper, sea salt, Old Bay Seasoning) – EXCEPT for the vegetable oil. Shake vigorously to thoroughly combine the spices. Set this seasoning blend aside until you are ready to grill.
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In a separate jar with a lid, combine the glaze ingredients (apple jelly, fresh lemon juice, and grated Granny Smith apple). Shake well to mix. Set this glaze aside.
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TO GRILL
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Preheat your grill: For a charcoal or gas grill, establish one grate area for high heat and another for low heat. Ensure your grill grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.
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Carefully remove the pork chops from the brine bag, allowing any excess brine to drip off and remain in the bag. Discard the remaining brine.
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Liberally sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the pork chops. Then, coat your hands lightly with the vegetable oil and rub the seasoning into the chops, ensuring an even coating.
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Place the seasoned chops on the high-heat section of the grill. Keep the lid open. Do not move the chops until they develop distinct grill marks and are lightly charred, typically about 3 minutes per side. Carefully flip the chops, ensuring they are placed on a clean, hot section of the grate if possible, and grill for another 3 minutes on the second side with the lid open. Once charred, move the chops to the low-heat grate and close the lid. Continue cooking, flipping and repositioning the chops every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Cook for approximately 8 minutes for medium doneness (145°F internal temperature), about 10 minutes for medium-well, and about 12 minutes for well-done. Remember that the chops will continue to cook slightly after glazing. Give your glaze a quick shake to reincorporate any settled ingredients. Brush the glaze generously over one side of the chops, flip them, and then brush the second side. Remove the glazed chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
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FINISH
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Garnish the rested pork chops with a generous sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped chives before serving immediately. Enjoy your perfectly grilled, incredibly flavorful Apple Moonshine Glazed Pork Chops!
Notes
Nutrition