Sweet and Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork and Pineapple Kebabs Recipe

Name: Sweet and Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork and Pineapple Kebabs Recipe
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: For the Brined Pork Chops:; 2 quarts ice cold water; 1/3 cup kosher salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 pounds (1 1/2-inch thick) center-cut pork chops; For the Rub:; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; For the Glaze:; 1/2 cup apricot preserves; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo; 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

Built with layer upon layer of flavor—first with a spicy, earthy rub and then with a sweet and fruity glaze—these pork and pineapple kebabs taste way more complex than their simple preparation may suggest.

Why this recipe works:

Brining the pork chops adds extra moisture to the meat, ensuring they stay juicy on the grill.
A hefty amount of cayenne pepper adds considerable heat to a seemingly simple rub.
An apricot glaze gives a sweet, fruity finish that contrasts with and balances out the spicy rub.
The sugary glaze is applied over indirect heat to prevent it from burning.

How to Create Layers of Flavor: Sweet and Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork and Pineapple Kebabs

Active: 60 mins

Total: 100 mins

Serves: 4 to 6 servings

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For the Brined Pork Chops:

2 quarts ice cold water
1/3 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 pounds (1 1/2-inch thick) center-cut pork chops

For the Rub:

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo
1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

For the Brined Pork Chops: In a large bowl, whisk together water, salt, and sugar until solids are dissolved. Place pork chops in brine and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
For the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, black pepper, sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Set aside.
To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together apricot preserves, honey, mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, and chipotle chiles. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Cut pork into 1 1/2-inch cubes, trimming any large pieces of excess fat. Coat pork cubes liberally with spice rub.
Thread pork onto skewers, alternating with pineapple cubes.
Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Grill skewers over direct heat until pork is well seared on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Move skewers to cool side of grill and brush with glaze all over. Cover grill and continue to cook until center of pork registers 140 to 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes onger. Transfer skewers to a serving tray and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Special Equipment

Grill, wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use)

This Recipe Appears In

How to Create Layers of Flavor: Sweet and Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork and Pineapple Kebabs

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
397	Calories
13g	Fat
41g	Carbs
30g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	397
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g	17%
Saturated Fat 4g	20%
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 923mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate 41g	15%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Total Sugars 32g
Protein 30g
Vitamin C 32mg	162%
Calcium 62mg	5%
Iron 2mg	10%
Potassium 561mg	12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.