Easy Baked BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

BBQ Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 thin pork chops
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425F (220C).

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the finely chopped onion, ketchup, white wine vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be your homemade barbecue sauce.

Step 4: Place the pork chops on a baking sheet. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared barbecue sauce onto each pork chop, spreading it evenly over the top.

Step 6: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for around 30 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach at least 145F (63C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	189
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	36mg
Sodium	552mg
Total Carbohydrates	23g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	20g
Protein	15g
Vitamin C	8mg
Calcium	32mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	429mg

Servings: 6

Easy Baked BBQ Pork Chops is a delicious, quick, and effortless meal thats perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender pork chops with a tangy and sweet homemade BBQ sauce makes this dish a hit with people of all ages. While simple in nature, its a recipe that brings flavors together in an incredibly satisfying way.

History and Origin of BBQ Pork Chops

The history of BBQ pork chops can be traced back to the Southern United States, where barbecue culture has deep roots. Barbecuing meats, including pork, is an iconic tradition, with each region offering its own unique twist. Pork is particularly popular in Southern cooking, where it has been a staple for centuries, often cooked over open flames or in slow-cooked pits. BBQ sauce, the defining feature of the dish, evolved through a variety of influences, including Native American, African, and European culinary traditions. Over time, sauces became more refined, combining tangy, sweet, and spicy elements to complement the rich flavors of pork.

Regional Variations

BBQ pork chops have regional variations, with different states and even cities offering their own take on the dish. For example, in Memphis, Tennessee, BBQ is characterized by a sweeter, tomato-based sauce, while in South Carolina, mustard-based sauces are more common. In Texas, barbecue often includes a spicy kick with chili peppers, while North Carolina is known for its vinegar-based BBQ sauces. These variations reflect the diversity and creativity found within American barbecue culture.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While BBQ pork chops share similarities with other grilled or baked pork dishes, what sets them apart is the distinct BBQ sauce. Unlike traditional roasted or pan-seared pork chops, which rely on simpler seasoning or marinades, BBQ pork chops feature a flavorful sauce made with ingredients like ketchup, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and cayenne pepper. This sauce not only enhances the taste but also creates a caramelized crust on the meat during baking, making it juicier and more flavorful than other variations of pork chops.

Where BBQ Pork Chops Are Commonly Served

BBQ pork chops are a popular choice in casual dining, especially in family gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. They are commonly served with side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and potato salad, making them a classic summer meal. In addition to casual home meals, BBQ pork chops can be found on the menus of Southern-style restaurants and barbecue joints across the United States, where they are often a customer favorite due to their tender texture and flavorful sauce.

Interesting Facts about BBQ Pork Chops

1. The origin of the term "barbecue" is widely debated, but its believed to come from the Taino people of the Caribbean, who used the word "barbacoa" to describe a method of slow-cooking meat on a wooden frame over an open fire.

2. Pork has been a popular meat in America for centuries, with early European settlers bringing pigs to the New World. By the 19th century, pork became a mainstay of American cuisine.

3. While BBQ pork chops are a Southern favorite, pork is enjoyed around the world, and different cultures have their own interpretations of how to prepare and serve it, from Chinese-style char siu to German schnitzels.

4. A common debate in BBQ circles is the question of "dry rub vs. wet sauce." While BBQ pork chops traditionally use a wet sauce, many barbecue purists prefer a dry rub, which adds flavor without the mess of sauce. Some cooks even combine both for a hybrid flavor profile!

FAQ about Easy Baked BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Comments