My husband and I rarely eat pork… I’m not exactly sure why. I guess I have never been able to find a recipe that I was really thrilled with. It’s just not one of those foods that I’m real comfortable cooking with. Don’t we all have certain “go-to” foods that we can cook a thousand different ways and they usually turn out well? Pork is definitely not one of mine.
When I took inventory of my freezer for the Penny Pinching Pantry Raid, though, I found three small boneless pork chops. I remember buying a pack of pork chops about a month or two ago with great intentions of making them the one week my husband was out of town. As you have probably figured out, I never did make the pork chops. In the spirit of the challenge, though, I knew I had to make something with the pork chops to keep them from dying a slow, cold death in my freezer.
Enter a package of seasoning I received from Amazing Taste last week! The friendly people at Amazing Taste sent me an assortment of their seasoning packets to try and review on my blog along with some recipes. Whenever I am trying new products, I like to make fairly straightforward dishes the first time around – letting the product speak for itself. If it’s a good product, it should be delicious on its own and not require too much of my doctoring, right?
Fortunately for me, there was a pork seasoning packet. Divine intervention? I think it may be. Since I’m not so creative with pork, I figured that I would simply combine the seasoning packet with some olive oil to marinate the pork chops and then cook them on the grill. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much… but I am happy to say that I was wrong! The grilled pork chops were juicy and had a delicious flavor from the marinade.
Many of you may be thinking that you aren’t a big fan of seasoning packets. In fact, I am usually not one to buy packets of seasoning. After all, I have a whole cabinet of spices, and I am fully capable of mixing my own. I think the seasoning packets have their place, though. Like I said before, I had no idea what to do with pork. I have tried countless recipes, but had difficulty coming up with something on my own. The seasoning packet was a great way for me to try new flavors. Additionally, the packets are only $0.99 (and I used less than half of the packet), which is cheaper than buying all of the jars of spices needed to achieve the same taste. It’s an inexpensive way to try new flavors without investing in jars of spices that you may never use again. Plus, they are quick and easy… and that can be a very good thing.
Try serving these pork chops with your favorite BBQ sauce!
Ingredients:
- 3 small boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon Amazing Taste Pork seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- BBQ sauce
Directions:
In a plastic dish, combine the olive oil and the seasoning to create a marinade. Coat the pork chops evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature is 160°F. Serve with BBQ sauce on the side.
I agree with your standpoint on seasoning packets. I personally like to make my own blends and I like to grind my own spices too (whenever I can).
I really liked this post. Simple and easy. With simple flavors, it can be very surprising things can be when there aren’t so many complex flavors in just one dish. And this is a very “pocket friendly” meal.
Great post Jen!
I too like to make my own seasoning blends, but I’m also guilty of having a few “favorites” in the pre-packaged department (Montreal Steak Seasoning, for one) Great looking chops!
I don’t eat pork, but this looks nice and yummy. The grill marks make it looks so bistro!
Amazing is the correct word. I don’t eat pork much either. Just cutting down on my meats. But I wouldn’t mid eating them if they looked and tasted like yours I’m all for it.
As long as there isn’t a ton of salt, I am all for using seasoning packets! My favorite is using taco seasoning. I had my own made up for a while, but on a busy night using the packet is totally worth it.
We don’t cook with pork chops that often around here either. I think, though, that I have some sitting in my freezer as well!
Those pork chops look fantastic! It’s weird because in our house pork is my boyfriends favorite meat but we do not make it a lot. I think it’s because pork can easily go from delicious to overcooked and tough. I made a tenderloin the other day that turned out great, but I really want to try them on the grill now:)
I don’t eat a lot of pork, either, but these look wonderful! Glad to hear the spice packets are delicious!
We don’t eat pork very often either – but your pics have me craving it!
MMMMM,…these pork chops do look amazingly beautiful , so tasty!
Yummie!
I’m a huge pork fanatic but I rarely make it at home cuz my boyfriend doesn’t eat it at all. This dish sounds yummy. Your pics have me wanting to go out and find this seasoning.