Jacques Pepins Grilled Pork Chops Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 2. Trim loin chops of excess fat and sinew.
• 3. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with the salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary--pat the seasoning so they adhere to the meat.
• 4. Pour the oil into a plate and dip the chops into the oil on all sides to coat lightly.
• 5. Set the grill over high heat and allow it to get quite hot.
• 6. Lay the chops at an angle to the ridges and cook for 2 minutes, until clearly marked. Turn them over, keeping the same angle, so the now visible marks align with the ridges. Cook for 2 minutes in this side. Turn the chops over again and now rotate them as well, so the visible marks are perpendicular to the ridges. Cook for 2 minutes, until a crisscross is clear. Turn the chops over for the third time, keeping them at the same angle. Cook for 2 minutes, so that the second side of the chops has been on the grill as long as the first side.
• 7. Finally, stand the chops on their outside edges, balanced against the potato half or other prop. Brown for about 2 minutes, shifting the chop as needed so the entire edge is browned. Remove the chops to a platter and place in the oven for about 10 minutes, to allow them to decontract. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and serve.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the water, kosher salt, and sugar. Add pork chops to this brine, and let them soak for no more than one hour. Drain and discard the brine. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
• In a shallow dish, stir together the olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Place pork chops in the dish, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 or 2 hours.
• Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by 1/2, about 10 minutes. When the vinegar cools, it should be the consistency of syrup.
• Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high or high heat. Add the onions and pears, and quickly brown being careful to keep the wedges intact. Once the onions and pears are browned, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 7 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the reduced vinegar and salt. The recipe can be prepared up to this point several hours before grilling.
• Preheat the grill for medium-high heat.
• Warm pears on a cool section of the grill (in the skillet), while placing the pork chops over the hot part. Cook pork for about 3 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. Remove to a serving plate, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for a few minutes. Uncover, top with the pear onion sauce, and serve.