Smoked Pork Chops
The leaner chops will have an improved taste and texture if they are brined before smoking. The brining process improves the texture and increases the moistness by modifying the protein structure of the meat. Brine Pork Chops For The Best FlavorA basic brine of three-quarters of a cup salt to one gallon of water is a good starting point for a pork chop brine. One gallon of brine is enough for three to four pounds of pork chops. Herbs, spices and fruit juice or alcoholic beverages can be added to the mix to up the flavor profile of the smoked pork chops. Here's one of my favorite pork chop brine recipes that I use with one inch thick loin chops. Combine one-half gallon of water with one-half gallon of apple juice or cider. Add three-quarters of a cup of canning salt, one tablespoon of cracked black peppercorns, one teaspoon of crushed garlic, and one lime, sliced thinly. Soak the chops in the brine overnight (in the refrigerator) before smoking. The apple juice and lime in the brine add some sweetness and tartness to the smoky chops...it's a flavor combination that works really well. Smoking The Pork ChopsPork chops can be successfully prepared in any type of smoker. A pit smoker, a gas smoker or a vertical water smoker will all do a great job. Pork chops don't require a high internal temperature when done. A temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe by the USDA for medium-done fresh pork. An interesting page the USDA provides as a public service is
The Safety of Fresh Pork.
A smoker temperature of 200 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for cooking smoked pork chops. Depending on the thickness of the meat, the chops will take from two to four hours to smoke to perfection. My preference of smoking wood leans toward fruitwoods, like apple or pear, or even a light flavored alder. Hickory and oak can overpower the flavor unless used in very small amounts. Serve The Chops With...A traditional barbecue calls for a heap of smoky baked beans alongside the smoked pork chops, at least in my neck of the woods. Other options that compliment the taste of the chops well would be a variety of grilled veggies that can be cooked on your gas or charcoal grill as the pork chops are finishing up in the smoker.Smoked Pork Chops
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