Unlock the secret to unbelievably juicy and flavorful pork chops, starting with a game-changing marinade!
This simple recipe, packed with savory and aromatic ingredients, will transform ordinary pork into a culinary masterpiece.
Get ready to elevate your grilling game and become the pork chop pro you were always meant to be.
Why This Marinade Works
Apple crumble bars—they're like a cozy hug for your taste buds, and I'm telling you why this recipe works like a charm. It's all about the layers, y'know?
See, we're starting with a shortbread-like base. It needs to be sturdy though not too sweet. Gotta have that support for all the yummy stuff we're piling on top!
Then there's the apple filling—it's like a party in your mouth: tartness from Granny Smith, but feel free to use other apples, too! Just be sure to adjust the sugar.
And remember that crumble topping? It isn't just for looks; it adds that perfect, crispy crunch. Oats in there make it extra special. It's like tiny, delicious armor protecting the sweet apple treasure beneath!
Don't forget the salted caramel and ice cream! This dessert is a warm, sweet dream and is simple to make!
Ingredients You'll Need
Okay, so you're ready to explore into making these ridiculously good apple crumble bars? Let's gather our stuff!
For the base and crumble – you'll need 125g of melted butter (a stick!), 2 cups of flour, and a half cup of sugar. Don't forget the half teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and one egg to bring it all together! For that lovely crumble, grab 1/3 cup of rolled oats. Consider that a perfect apple crumble often benefits from balancing textures.
Now, for the apple filling, let's get about 3-4 Granny Smith apples – diced, of course. Aim for 4 cups of diced apple, sounds like a lot, but trust me. You'll also need 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. This is gonna smell amazing. Oh, and salted caramel sauce, and ice cream, for serving!
Marinating Instructions
Now that we've got all our ingredients prepped and ready to go, I'm excited to start making this crumble bar–but there's a slight problem. Oh wait, wrong recipe. I'm really anxious to get these pork chops marinating!
First, grab a large resealable bag or a container with a lid. Place your pork chops inside.
Now, pour that delicious marinade right over those chops, making sure they're all nicely coated. It's like giving them a flavor bath! The marinade should contain ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Seal the bag–or cover the container–and pop it into the fridge. You'll want to marinate them for at least 30 minutes. But, honestly, the longer they soak, the tastier they become. I'd recommend at least 2 hours, or even overnight for maximum flavor! The waiting is the hardest part, I know!
Grilling and Serving
Let's get cooking! I usually preheat my grill to medium-high heat—about 375°F—before I even think about taking those pork chops out.
Now, take your marinated pork chops from the fridge. Don't forget to discard the marinade! I pat them dry with a paper towel. It really helps them get a nice sear.
Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they hit an internal temp of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer, it's not guessing!
Let 'em rest! Tent them with foil for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps 'em juicy.
Serve those delicious chops however you like – with a side of mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad – you can't go wrong. Enjoy and bask in your grilling triumph!
Short Recipe Version
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8-12 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 pork chops
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and mustard in a bowl.
- Marinate pork chops in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Discard marinade.
- Pat pork chops dry.
- Grill pork chops for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g