Seasonal Supper: Grilled Raspberry Chipotle Pork Chops

Step 1

Pick the right cut. Bone-in chops cook more evenly and have extra connective tissue (fat), ensuring marked juiciness and maximum flavor in the final product. 
 

Step 2

Make a simple brine with water, salt and a pinch of sugar. Brining for just 20 minutes is enough to produce a dramatic effect on the finished texture of your chops. 
 

Step 3

Cook pork chops to the right temperature. An internal temp of 140° for a thick chop will result in a perfect final temp of 145° after resting. This is the USDA-recommended safe cooking temperature. (Just 13 years ago, the USDA was recommending 160°. Those 15° are critical!) At a safe 145° temperature, a perfectly grilled pork chop will still be slightly pink in the middle. 

PRO TIP: Insert an instant-read meat thermometer sideways into the center of chops, chicken breasts and steaks to get the most accurate reading. 
 

Step 4

Finish with a glaze and/or dipping sauce to add a final layer of flavor. Products featuring a sweet, mild heat are ideal. Try it with Kowalski's Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, as in our recipe for Grilled Raspberry Chipotle Pork Chops (pictured).