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Friday, April 13, 2012

Cocoa and Chili Rubbed Pork Chops

This is hands down one of the best pork chop recipes I've tried in a while.  Seriously, I wish I could think of some wonderful way to explain so that you would really get how incredible it really was, but alas, I am all out of words today.  It's Friday, I've had two very, very, very long weeks and... well... just know this is an amazing pork chop recipe and I highly recommend trying it.

Oh, and don't forget to serve it up with a wonderful little sauce, such as Po'Dunk or Lemon Aioli and life will be just about perfect!

Cocoa and Chili Rubbed Pork Chops
Adapted from Food and Wine
- Serves 2 -
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
4 cups water
1 Tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 thick boneless pork loin chops
1/2 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 Tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 Tablespoon ancho chile powder
olive oil

Directions:
Mix together the water, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and garlic.  Place pork chops in a resealable bag place in a deep bowl.  Pour the brine over the pork chops and seal the bag.  Refrigerate for 2 hours.  Remove pork from brine and rinse thoroughly.

In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and chile powder. Rub a little olive oil on both sides of each pork chop.  Rub spice mixture on both sides and set aside.

Preheat grill to 350-375 degrees F.  Clean and oil grill grates.  Place pork over the fire and grill about 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches about 135-140 degrees F.  Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Crispy Baked Fish with Balsamic Mustard Sauce
Two Years Ago:  Tilapia with Spiced Mustard Sauce

11 comments:

Yenta Mary said...

Here I am, trying to figure out what to eat for breakfast, and you - TEMPTRESS! - put this in front of me when I can't have it??? Oh, it looks so, so good! Hope you get a restful weekend to make up for the past couple of weeks ....

Mary said...

This sounds delicious, Jenn. As soon as I saw the title, I thought, "po'dunk? maybe..." The ingredients sound perfect. I'm pinning this to try. Thanks!

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

Yeah baby this looks GOOD!!! I adore cocoa and anchos together. Got both in the pantry right now as a matter of fact :) I am so making chops this way next time we have them. Delicious Jenn!!!!!!

Big Dude said...

If it were anyone but you, I'm not sure I would have read this based on the title, and now it is a must try. It looks delicious

Pam said...

I trust you... they look moist, tender, and delicious. YUM Jenn!

Anonymous said...

I'm sold!! I'm going to making these this weekend - thanks!
Mary x

Cranberry Morning said...

Cocoa! No kidding. Well, my computer still is not up and running, but here I sit at Kevin's computer and had to print out that recipe. I'll be making it within the week, I'm sure. They look fantastic, Jenn! Hope you have a great weekend.

Connie said...

Beautiful recipe.

Chris said...

That totally works for me! It brings the flavor of mole to the flame.

teresa said...

oh my goodness, these look amazing! i love the flavors.

Unknown said...

I heard a lot about adding cocoa to grills and sauces, but have yet to test it myself. I will have to try it soon, especially if you love this so much.