Sweet Tea Marinated Pork Chop Sandwich Recipes

SWEET TEA PORK TENDERLOIN RECIPE

Steps:

• Whisk all ingredients together and keep in an airtight container. When ready to use, sprinkle the meat with a liberal amount of the seasoning and rub it in. Be sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the meat to rest at least 2 hours in the fridge (or overnight). Cook the meat as desired.
• Bring honey bourbon, broth, bay leaf, thyme and black pepper to a full boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is reduced to ½ cup. Taste and season to taste with kosher salt. Mix the cold water and cornstarch and add to the bourbon sauce. Return the sauce to a boil and cook 1-2 more minutes or until mixture has thickened to the consistency of warm syrup. Add butter and whisk until smooth.
• In a large stockpot, combine sweet tea, salt, Worcestershire Sauce, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic cloves and fresh thyme. Stir until salt is dissolved. Submerge the pork tenderloins in the brine and refrigerate 4-8 hours. *Note: If using thicker, larger tenderloins, the pork should be marinated at least 8 hours, but not longer than 24 hours.
• When ready to cook, heat oven to 275°F. Spray a metal rack with nonstick cooking spray and set it over a rimmed cooking sheet that has been covered with foil.
• Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Rub the Pork Dry Rub over the entire surface of both pork loins. Place the pork loins on the rack leaving at least a 2-inch space between them.
• Place the pork in the preheated oven, and cook 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F on a meat thermometer.
• Remove the pork from the oven; set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the pork, again leaving space between the two loins. (Note: If the skillet is too small, sear one pork loin at a time.)
• Sear the pork on all sides, checking the internal temperature often - I find 150° with a 3 minute rest is best. (*See note re: pork temperature guidelines.) Keep in mind the pork will continue cooking about 3 minutes after removing from the heat source.
• Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, transfer it to a cutting board to rest, about 3-5 minutes.
• Slice the pork into ½-¾" medallions.
• Drizzle with Honey Bourbon Sauce and serve over Pimento Cheese Grits (recipe link in notes)

SOUTHERN SWEET GRILLED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Whisk barbeque sauce, apple butter, brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic together in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave until sugar dissolves, about 30 seconds. Stir until sauce is smooth.
• Place pork chops on a plate and pour sauce over chops. Refrigerate for flavors to soak into pork chops, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook pork chops on grill until cooked through, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

SWEET TEA-MARINATED PORK CHOP SANDWICH

Steps:

• Working one at a time, put the pork chops between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound with the flat side of a meat mallet to a 1/4 inch thickness. Combine the pork chops and sweet tea in a container, cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Pour enough oil into a large, heavy skillet to come 1 inch up the sides (or use a deep fryer). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 325 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, combine the flour, pepper, seasoning salt and garlic in a shallow bowl or plate and mix to blend well. Pour the milk into a shallow bowl. Remove the pork chops from the tea; discard the tea. Dip the pork in the milk, then dredge in the seasoned flour to coat thoroughly. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Place the pork chops on the heels of the hamburger buns and top each with tomato, onion and lettuce. Cover with the top half of the buns and serve with the desired condiments.