Peach Dijon Pork Chops

Peaches and pork are a juicy and flavorful combination. I return to this Dijon mustard and peach potion again and again—I keep it ready-made in the refrigerator to work its magic with pork tenderloin, turkey cutlets, and chicken.

For this recipe, I brine the pork chops and elevate a few pantry ingredients from basic to brilliant. Whisk sweet peach preserves, pungent Dijon mustard, rosemary, and sage for a bright, herbaceous, sweet, and tangy sauce that is spread over the pork chops. A grill pan or a skillet is all you need for this simple Southern-inspired supper.

What Cut of Pork Should I Buy? 

For this recipe, get bone-in center-cut rib pork chops because they are less likely to dry out. Don’t be tempted by boneless chops!

All pork chops come from the loin, which runs along both sides of the backbone from the neck to the hip. You can find the following cuts at the grocery store, listed in order from neck to hip:

• Rib chops are tender, flavorful, and a great choice for pan-searing and grilling—it’s the cut I recommend for this recipe.
• The cut closest to the neck is known as the blade. It is generally tough and best for braising. 
  
• Loin chops are bisected by a bone shaped like a T. The larger muscle on one side of the bone is the loin, and the smaller muscle on the other side is the tenderloin. They have great flavor, but since the loin and tenderloin cook at different rates, they can be a little tricky to cook evenly. 
• Sirloin chops are nearest the hip, and they should be cooked low and slow. They are not a good cut for pan searing or grilling.

Brine the Pork Chops

Pork chops are lean and prone to drying out. To help prevent this, brine them before cooking. Brining—soaking the meat in a saltwater mixture—is the key to juicy, tender meat. It’s often used for white meats, which are more prone to drying out, such as pork, turkey, and chicken. 

The salt in the brine helps the pork absorb the brining liquid. Pork chops lose moisture during cooking, but since brined meat has a more liquid, it cooks up juicier at the end.

The saltier the brining solution and the smaller the piece of meat, the shorter the brining period. This recipe calls for a strong brine, so the pork chops soak for only 30 minutes.

The size of the salt grains used in a brine is important. Table salt is very fine and kosher salt has larger grains. This recipe calls for Diamond Crystal kosher salt. If using table salt, use 2 tablespoons. If using Morton kosher salt, use 3 tablespoons. Whatever salt you use, take the chops out of the brine after 30 minutes or they will be too salty. 

Best Way to Cook Pork Chops

Sear the pork chops on the stovetop and then, transfer them to the oven to finish cooking. You can also cook the pork on the grill. Brush the pork with the sauce when it’s almost cooked through; otherwise, the sauce will burn.

Flavor Variations I Love 

There are endless ways to add different flavors. Here are a few ideas: 

• Want to give the sauce some pep? Add freshly grated ginger or garlic. 
• Toss a sliced jalapeño into the pan with the pork chops. It will flavor both the oil for the chops and the sauce, giving the dish a kick of heat. 
• Instead of rosemary and sage, use a combination of basil and parsley.
• Add 2 tablespoons of diced fresh peaches to the sauce.
• Tack on a savory side dish by adding 2 sliced peaches and 1 thinly sliced sweet onion into the pan before you pop it into the oven.  

How to Serve Leftovers, If Any! 

Pork chops are best served immediately since they don’t reheat very well. If you have leftovers, transform it into a bánh mì-inspired sandwich with sliced leftover pork chops, shredded carrots and daikon tossed with a splash of rice vinegar, sliced jalapeños, and a handful of fresh mint leaves and cilantro.

You could also griddle the sliced pork sandwiched with ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, for a quick Cuban sandwich. 

More Savory Peach Recipes

• Grilled Salmon with Peach Salsa
• Farmers’ Market Salad with Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Basil 
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Peaches
• Easy Cucumber, Peach, and Basil Salad
• Peach Salsa