Alton Brown's Molasses and Coffee Pork Chops

Indulge in the bold, smoky-sweet flavors of Alton Brown's Molasses and Coffee Pork Chops, a recipe that takes grilling or pan-searing to the next level. Featuring a rich marinade of brewed coffee, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme, these bone-in pork chops are infused with an irresistible blend of earthy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a caramelized crust when seared in a hot cast-iron skillet. With a quick 15-minute prep time and ingredients like garlic and olive oil enhancing the flavor profile, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight meal. Serve these juicy chops with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine brewed coffee, molasses, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Whisk together until the salt dissolves and the mixture is well blended.

Step 2

Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the coffee-molasses marinade over the chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3

Remove the pork chops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the used marinade.

Step 4

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat until it shimmers.

Step 5

Sear the pork chops in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook the pork chops for an additional 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 8

Serve the pork chops hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1305.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2594.8

Total Fat 140.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 544mg	0%
Sodium 4081.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 119.8g
Protein 192.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 447.5mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 5072.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 30.5%

Carbs: 19.6%