Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops grilled over woodfire and glazed with a sweet and tangy bourbon-blackberry sauce that enhances smoky flavors. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (1-inch thick, about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub with 2 tbsp olive oil and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup blackberries, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and blackberries break down, then strain and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat woodfire grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and chops have nice grill marks.
- Step 4: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush pork chops generously with the bourbon-blackberry glaze and allow it to caramelize slightly.
- Step 5: Remove chops from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops?
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 Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops 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 Woodfire-Grilled Bourbon-Blackberry Pork Chops?
American grilling 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.
