Grilled Pork Loin Chops with Honey Mustard Glaze

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork loin chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Make the honey mustard glaze: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined. Set aside a couple of tablespoons for drizzling at the end, and use the rest to glaze the pork chops.

Grill the pork chops: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) and they are nicely browned with grill marks.

Glaze the pork: During the last minute of grilling, brush both sides of the pork chops with the honey mustard glaze. This will caramelise the glaze and create a beautiful, sticky finish.

Rest the pork chops: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve: Drizzle the reserved honey mustard glaze over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with your favourite sides.

What Goes With It:

1. Grilled Vegetables
   Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, capsicum, and onions are light, smoky, and fresh. Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with the honey mustard glaze. To make them, toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs, then grill until tender with a nice char.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make a comforting and rich side that balances the tangy glaze on the pork. Boil potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, cream or milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Coleslaw
   A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a fresh contrast to the sweet and savoury pork. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing made from mayo, vinegar, and a bit of honey or mustard.
4. Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the honey mustard glaze. Cube sweet potatoes, toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes.
5. Rice Pilaf
   A light, herby rice pilaf is a great way to soak up any extra glaze and adds a mild, savoury flavour to the meal. Sauté onions in butter, then cook rice in chicken broth with a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
6. Sautéed Greens
   Greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard provide freshness and a slight bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of the pork glaze. Sauté the greens with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil until wilted and tender, then add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
7. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is another fantastic pairing. Serve it grilled or boiled, brushed with butter, and sprinkled with salt and pepper.
8. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The nutty flavour of Brussels sprouts complements the pork’s sweetness while adding a bit of crunch. Halve the Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.