Sous Vide Maple Chipotle BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• cup unsalted butter, melted
• cup apple cider vinegar
• cup maple syrup
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle chiles
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• teaspoon onion powder
• teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 (1 1/4-inch-thick) bone-in, center cut pork chops
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)

Directions

1. Prepare a thermocirculator and water bath according to the manufacturer's directions. Set the thermocirculator to 135F (57C) for medium-rare pork (or 145F/62C for medium), and allow the water bath to come up to temperature.
2. In a bowl, stir together ketchup, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, jalapeno, Dijon mustard, chipotles, adobo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This will make about 2 cups of sauce.
3. Season both sides of the pork chops evenly with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and black pepper. Place the chops in a single layer in a large vacuum-sealable bag.
4. Pour 1 cup of the prepared sauce into the bag with the pork chops. Seal the remaining sauce in a separate and refrigerate.
5. Massage the bag gently to ensure the chops are evenly coated in the sauce, then seal the bag with a vacuum sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Transfer the vacuum-sealed pork chops into the warm water bath and cover the vessel with aluminum foil to reduce evaporation. Cook the chops for 40 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 135F to 145F (57C to 62C), depending on your desired doneness.
7. After cooking, carefully remove the bag from the water bath. Transfer the pork chops from the bag onto a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with canola oil.
8. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400F to 450F / 200C to 230C).
9. Grill the pork chops uncovered, basting with 1/2 cup of the reserved sauce. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear.
10. Serve the pork chops with the remaining sauce and optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 672
• Total Fat: 36g (46% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (70% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 196mg (65% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2075mg (90% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 31g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Protein: 55g (109% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1274mg (27% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available nutrient data.

Recipe Overview:
This recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of tender pork chops cooked sous vide to perfection, paired with a unique maple-chipotle BBQ sauce. The sweet and spicy sauce is made with maple syrup, chipotle peppers, and a blend of savory seasonings, creating a dish that's both bold and satisfying.

Origin of the Dish

The Sous Vide Maple Chipotle BBQ Pork Chops recipe brings together two culinary traditions: the precision of sous vide cooking and the rich flavors of barbecue. Sous vide, which means "under vacuum" in French, was originally developed by chefs in France in the 1970s, but has only gained widespread popularity in recent years thanks to its ability to produce perfectly cooked meat every time. The BBQ sauce element of this recipe, however, is rooted in American culinary traditions, particularly from the Southern and Southwestern United States, where smoky, spicy barbecue sauces are a staple. The combination of sous vide and BBQ is a modern twist on a classic American favorite.

Regional Variations

Barbecue is a highly regionalized cuisine, and the sauce used in this recipe reflects some of the key ingredients found in Southern and Tex-Mex cooking. The chipotle pepper, which gives the sauce its smoky, spicy flavor, is a key component of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, while maple syrup is a distinct feature of Northern American cooking, particularly from regions like Vermont. These influences come together in this dish to create a hybrid of flavors, combining the best of both worlds. Different regions might use alternative sweeteners or spices, such as honey or brown sugar, and vary the type of chili peppers used in the sauce.

What Sets This Dish Apart

While there are many BBQ pork chop recipes out there, what makes this one stand out is the use of sous vide cooking. This method ensures that the pork chops are perfectly cooked, with a tender, juicy texture that is hard to achieve with traditional grilling or pan-frying. The addition of maple syrup to the BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness that balances the heat from the chipotle peppers, setting this dish apart from more traditional spicy BBQ recipes. Additionally, sous vide cooking locks in the flavors of the marinade, making every bite burst with savory goodness.

Where It's Typically Served

Sous vide maple chipotle BBQ pork chops are a versatile dish that can be served at a variety of occasions. They are perfect for a family dinner, weekend gatherings, or even as part of a special barbecue feast. Due to their tender texture and rich flavors, these pork chops are often paired with sides such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. The dish can also be served in more casual settings, such as picnics or cookouts, where guests can enjoy the smoky, spicy pork alongside fresh salads or corn on the cob.

Interesting Facts

• Sous vide cooking allows for precision temperature control, meaning you can cook pork to the perfect level of doneness without worrying about overcooking it.
• The use of chipotle peppers in BBQ sauces has become more widespread in recent years, reflecting the growing popularity of Mexican and Southwestern flavors in American cuisine.
• Maple syrup, often associated with pancakes, is also an excellent ingredient in savory dishes, adding depth and sweetness to sauces and glazes.
• The combination of sweet and smoky flavors in BBQ is not only delicious but also appeals to the natural craving for balance in taste, often found in many cuisines around the world.
• With the rise of sous vide cooking, its become easier for home cooks to replicate restaurant-quality dishes, which traditionally required complex techniques and equipment.

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to try something new, Sous Vide Maple Chipotle BBQ Pork Chops offer an exciting way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist. The sous vide technique guarantees perfectly cooked pork chops, while the maple-chipotle BBQ sauce provides a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and smoky flavors. It's a dish that combines the best of both worldstraditional BBQ and innovative cooking methodsfor a meal that's both comforting and cutting-edge.

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