Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops

Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 1:42 pm

Serves six.

Although this fennel-paprika rub is delicious, you can use your own favorite rub to enhance the pork's flavor and help develop gorgeous grill marks.

6 boneless pork loin chops, About 3/4 inch thick
1-1/2 Tbs. canola or vegetable oil
Fennel-Paprika Spice Rub (see the recipe at below)
Cherry Tomato & Olive Salsa (see the recipe below)
Build a hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill with all burners on high for at least 10 minutes. While the grill heats, lightly coat both sides of the pork chops with the oil and coat with the spice rub. Clean and oil the hot grate.

Grill the pork chops (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas) over direct heat on the hottest part of the grill, taking care not to crowd the meat. Cook until the pork forms impressive grill marks on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and continue to grill (un¬covered for charcoal; covered for gas) until the pork chops are just firm to the touch and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes, depending on their thickness. Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the salsa.

Fennel-Paprika Spice Rub

Yields about 3 Tbs. Try this spice rub on lamb, too.

2 tsp. dark brown sugar
2 tsp. crushed or chopped fennel seeds
1-1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1-1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients well.

Cherry Tomato & Olive Salsa

Yields 21/2 cups.

2 scant cups cherry (or grape) tomatoes, quartered
1/2 small red onion, cut into small dice (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives
2 Tbs. drained capers
2 Tbs. torn fresh basil leaves
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, olives, capers, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Let stand while the meat grills. Before serving, adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.