Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops smoked over pecan wood and topped with a fresh, sweet and tangy peach salsa inspired by the Texas Hill Country. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes blends kosher salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill for indirect medium heat and prepare pecan wood chips for smoking.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over chops and rub to coat.
  3. Step 3: Place pork chops on the grill over indirect heat and add pecan wood chips to the coals or smoker box to infuse smoke. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups diced fresh peaches, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork chops from grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the fresh Texas Hill Country peach salsa for a smoky, sweet, and spicy balance.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pecan-Smoked Pork Chops with Texas Hill Country Peach Salsa?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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