Pickle Your Pork: A Recipe to Relish (or Not)
Today, we're diving into the tantalizing world of "Pickle Your Pork: A Recipe to Relish (or Not)." Yes, you read that right. Pickles and pork chops. Hold onto your aprons; this one’s going to be interesting.
You'll start with three bone-in pork chops. Because what’s a pork chop without the bone? Next, grab a cup of finely chopped pickles and a quarter cup of pickle juice—yes, the juice. Add to that a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and five tablespoons of honey. To keep the vampires away, throw in five cloves of garlic. Don’t forget a teaspoon of smoked paprika and, for those who like a bit of a kick, some crushed red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper will join the party to taste, and fresh parsley will make an appearance as the garnish.
Now, onto the how-to, because what’s the use of ingredients if you don’t know how to mix them together? Mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This concoction is your marinade, the elixir that will transform your pork chops into something edible. Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish—your choice. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they’re well coated—Marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you’re feeling particularly patient or adventurous, leave it overnight.
While your pork chops are soaking up all that flavor, combine the chopped pickles and pickle juice in a small bowl. Mix them well and set them aside. This is your relish. It’s fancy, I know.
When the marinating time is up, remove the pork chops from their flavorful bath. Place them in a cast iron pan. Pour the excess oil and honey mixture into the pan because we’re not wasting any of that liquid gold. Drizzle a little more honey on top of the chops because why not add more sweetness to balance the tangy pickles? Broil the chops on high for about seven to ten minutes until they achieve a golden brown hue. Flip them over and give the other side the same treatment. Broil for another seven to ten minutes, or until their internal temperature hits a safe and satisfying 145 degrees.
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, place them on a serving platter. Now comes the pièce de résistance: top each chop with spoonfuls of your pickle relish. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a little more salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, because presentation is everything, even if you’re going to eat it.
And there you have it, folks. Pickle Your Pork: A Recipe to Relish (or Not). Serve it to friends, family, or maybe even your worst enemy.