Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop
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Succulent, sweet, and just a bit spicy, Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop Recipe was my award-winning entry in the MS Magazine Recipe Contest in 2011. It’s a simple grilled pork chop with a scrumptious glaze.
Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop Recipe Winner
On a whim, I entered the MS Magazine Recipe Contest in 2011 after seeing a post on their Facebook page. I had it on file at my fingertips and sent it in immediately. It was one day until the deadline. I won the Grand Prize which included beach vacation for my hubs and me among other items. I was thrilled, to say the least.
My husband and I had won an Iron Chef competition with local foodies with this recipe. Additionally, I had served it with rave reviews to our Supper Club. We even made it for our family on numerous occasions. I knew it was a well-liked recipe.
Below is my photo for the Mississippi Magazine 2011 Recipe Contest Winning recipe that was featured in the North Mississippi Daily Journal Article. I’m holding the magazine that announced the winner. Also, pictured are some of the amazing prices I received for winning.
Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop
It’s an easy and delicious main course quick enough for weeknights and sophisticated enough for entertaining. This has been our go-to dinner to entertain. Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop is so flavorful, you can keep the rest of the meal simple.
Here’s another good pork steak recipe that you’ll enjoy.
I like to serve it with my Corn Salad stuffed in romaine leaves or Wedge Salad, 3 Ingredient Hashbrown Casserole, and Homemade Rolls.
Bone-in pork chop
Try to find pork chops at least 1.5-inches thick. Thicker pork chops are less likely to dry out when cooking. I prefer using bone-in pork chops. The bone helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor to the meat. If you’d like to use boneless pork chops, they will cook a bit faster.
How to grill pork chops
I used a gas grill for this recipe, but a charcoal grill or a grill pan works too. Here are some key tips to make sure your pork chops turn out great:
- Pick Thick Chops: Thicker pork chops, at least 1-inch thick, hold up better to grilling and don’t dry out as easily. I used 1.5-inches thick pork chops.
- Bone-In or Boneless? Bone-in pork chops help keep the meat juicy since the bone slows down cooking slightly. Thick, boneless pork chops also work but may cook a little faster.
- Seasoning Matters: A marinade adds moisture and flavor, especially if the chops soak it for at least 90 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
- Grilling Time and Temperature. Start by searing the pork chops over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side. This gives them a nice crust and helps lock in the juices. Then, lower the heat to medium and continue grilling for another 4–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Boneless chops might cook a little quicker.
- Let Them Rest: After grilling, let the pork chops sit for 5 minutes before cutting into them. This helps the juices spread back through the meat, keeping them tender and flavorful.
You have got to make Jalapeno Basil Pork Chops. It’s incredible. Here’s more to enjoy!
Jalapeno Basil Pork Chop MS Magazine Recipe Contest Winning Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounce jar Tabasco Spicy Red Pepper Jelly
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup basil chopped fresh
- 4 1½-inch thick pork chops bone-in loin chops, well-trimmed
- 4 ounces Gouda cheese small slices smoked
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine jelly, wine, and basil, whisking for about 5 minutes or until pepper jelly melts.
- Remove from heat, and let the mixture cool completely.
- Cut a pocket into loin side of chop, large enough to insert and hold the cheese, and insert cheese as close to the bone as possible; avoid too large of a piece to prevent melting during cooking.
- Skewer pocket closed.
- Pour ¾ cup pepper jelly mixture into a large zip-top plastic freezer bag and reserve remaining mixture; add pork chops to the bag, turning to coat.
- Seal and let marinate for 1½ to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Allow the chops to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling, turning pork chops occasionally. Remove chops from marinade. Discard marinade.
- Sprinkle chops evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill, covered with grill lid, over high heat (400 to 450 degrees) for 3 minutes, then turn a quarter turn and cook another 3 minutes, then repeat on the other side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 145 degrees (temperature should rise another 10 degrees at rest).
- Strain basil from remaining 1 and ¼ cups of marinade and discard basil; boil marinade 2 minutes.
- Pour pepper jelly sauce over pork chops and garnish with fresh basil and green onions.
- Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.
I was tired of boring pork chops and I came across this recipe. Talk about flavor!
The sauce on the pork chops gives it a nice kick. Great for weeknight dinners.
I love pork tenderloin for dinner and I usually stay away from pork chops as I tend to dry them out LOL. These were tender and oh so juicy! And the little kick was a nice touch!
Wow! These pork chops were delicious! I love using pepper jelly to glaze meat, but the cheese in the center really added another dimension. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I tried this with red color- hot jalepeno pepper jelly and white grape juice instead of dry white wine….excellent…still a bit of spicy without the jalepeno blast.