Easy Italian Spiced Pork
Pillsbury Good For You Copyright 2006
1 package (.6 oz) Italian dressing mix
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
4 boneless pork loin chops, ¾ inch thick
Paprika I forgot this
1. In a small bowl, beat dressing mix, vinegar, Italian seasoning and red pepper with wire whisk until mix is dissolved. Beat in oil until well blended.
2. In a shallow glass baking dish, arrange pork chops in a single layer. Spread oil mixture over both sides of pork. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes to marinate. I marinaded these all day long.
3. Meanwhile, heat gas or charcoal grill.
4. When grill is heated, remove pork from marinade; discard marinade. Place pork on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill over medium-high coals. Sprinkle pork with paprika. I forgot the paprika and I didn't miss it. Cook uncovered 4 minutes. Turn pork; sprinkle with paprika. Cook uncovered 3 to 6 minutes longer or until slightly pink in center and thermometer inserted into center of pork reads 160 degrees.
4 servings.
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Were these pork chops ever yummy! This recipe is definitely a keeper. Although it's very important that you use a good balsamic - not expensive, but good. I found a good store brand one that comes in a fancy bottle but it's only between $3-$4. It's very mellow and flavorful. I've tried brands like Progresso that are just too acidic and don't have much flavor. Just find one you like - your taste might be more expensive than mine or maybe you happen to like the Progresso brand.
I opted to marinade these all day long, instead of just 15 minutes so I can't vouch for the 15-minute marinade. I recommend the longer marinade. These chops were from the same package of chops I used for the Mustard-Glazed Pork Chops last week but these were so much more flavorful and tender. I can't let the recipe take all of the credit - I grilled these perfectly, if I do say so myself.
Speaking of grilling, I really don't like my grill anymore. The heat seems so uneven. It's been so long since I used it regularly, I don't know if that's normal or not (for this grill). Or maybe this is a symptom that the propane tank is finally near empty? I really want a nicer grill but this one is only four years old. Somebody talk me down.
Question of the Day: What kind of outdoor grill do you have?
YUM! These look great and like something my family would eat! I'll have to get some of the italian dressing mix and try them! I agree, sometimes cooking ingredients that are expensive are not always as good just because they cost more $$$$! I have a store brand red wine vinegar that I love and I also have an expensive brand that I almost threw out until I realised I could use it in marinades etc. instead of in salad dressings like I tried first.
ReplyDeleteOn to the BBQ question - I bought DH a big, stainless steel model this year for his birthday. Up until this purchase we were using hand-me-down Q's from family and friends! I love the ceramic grills and other than it seems like such a waste to fire up this great big thing for a couple of sausages we love it...oh yea, our Q is hooked directly into the larger tank in the backyard as we also have a gas cooktop, clothes dryer and hot water tank. No little cylinders around here! Can you tell we live in the country?
I posted an answer to your question but will answer here as well. I don't think it would be redundant with snickerdoodles to make the cinnamon roll cookies. They obviously look different, have a different texture, and I think have a little more of a cinnamon taste because there is actually cinnamon in the dough! Mmmm.
ReplyDeleteAs to the outdoor grill...I don't have one. My dad has a charcoal burning one. One of the old-school tri-pod standing ones. We also have a smoker that I LOVE to have turkey on!
I will be making this recipe this weekend. DH loves pork chops and I know he will like this. Yummm.
ReplyDeleteI had to go see what kind of grill we have. We bought one of those big stainless steel models last year. It's a Commercial Series Char-Broil we got at Lowe's. It's fast, cooks evenly and has a burner on the side. DH cooks bacon and fish out there so the house doesn't smell forever. (I think that's my favorite thing!)