Pork Chops with Fennel & Apple Slaw
Sometimes you just want a meal that’s a bit fancier than your usual Sunday roast but doesn’t take all day to put together. These grilled pork chops are juicy, golden, and dead simple to cook, balanced out with a crisp, zingy fennel and apple slaw. Perfect for a warm evening with a couple of cold beers.
What You’ll Need:
For the Chops:
- Bone-in pork chops (thick-cut, because we’re not messing around)
- Your favourite pork rub
- Pickle juice (enough to cover the chops)
- Roasted potatoes, to serve
For the Fennel & Apple Slaw:
- 1 small red onion, very finely sliced
- 1 large fennel bulb, finely sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 red-skinned apples, sliced into matchsticks
- 4 tbsp mayo
- Salt and pepper to taste
How We’re Doing This:
- Brine the Chops:
This step’s key for tender, juicy pork chops. Pop your chops into a bowl or bag and cover them with pickle juice. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or if you’ve got the time, let them sit overnight in the fridge. This will help them stay juicy and add a bit of tang. - Prep the Chops:
Fire up your grill to high, get it screaming hot. Take the chops out of the brine, pat dry with paper towel, then cover all over with your favourite pork rub. Give them about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden, juicy, and just cooked through. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest while you sort the slaw. - Make the Slaw:
For a little extra BBQ style, cut the fennel in half, and lightly char it over the fire first before slicing. Throw the sliced red onion and fennel into a big bowl. Add the lime zest and juice, this is gonna wake the whole thing up. Add the matchsticked apples, chuck in the mayo, season the hell out of it, and give it a good mix.
Serve It Up:
Plate up your chops with a generous pile of that fresh, crunchy slaw and some crispy roasted potatoes on the side. Pour yourself a cold one, and dig in. This is how you do simple, tasty, and a little bit fancy without breaking a sweat.
This one’s a ripper. Quick, tasty, and impressive as hell on the plate. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @ollies_q when you give it a crack!
