Tom's Spice Rubbed Pork Chops

Smoky and Sweet

We were going to have center cut pork chops for dinner one evening that I would be doing on the grill.  It was too late to marinate them, so I looked for a rub on the Internet.  What I found interested me because of the myriad spices it used. The key ingredient to this rub is smoked paprika. It gives the pork chops a smoky flavor.  The cayenne provides some heat, and the brown sugar some sweetness. 

You can adjust the amount of rub you put on.  I may have used a bit too much the second time I made this.  The first time was just right!  I think you can use this rub on any pork, like pork tenderloin.  Worth a try.

---Tom

Spice Rubbed Pork Chops

Center cut Pork Chops (1 per person), patted dry, 

        and air-dried in the fridge up to 24 hours

For the rub:

1 t. Kosher salt

1 t. freshly ground pepper

1/2 t. dry mustard powder

1/2 t. light brown sugar

1 t. smoked paprika

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. onion powder

1/4 t. ground cayenne pepper

A day before, pat the pork chops dry, place them on a plate in one layer, and put in the refrigerator without a cover for 24 hours.  

Mix together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.  Break up any chunks, especially from the brown sugar.

Sprinkle the rub on the pork chops about 15 minutes before grilling.  Press into the meat lightly on both sides.  

Depending on the thickness of the chop, grill about 10 minutes per side.  

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

---Tom