Cajun Blackened BBQ Chops

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Bone-in center-cut pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup Blackstrap molasses
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 1 to taste Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the Cajun rub.

3. 3

   Brush both sides of the pork chops with the melted butter, then coat generously with the spice rub, pressing it in firmly.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke to create the BBQ glaze.

5. 5

   Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking slightly.

6. 6

   Place the chops in the dry skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark, charred crust forms.

7. 7

   Reduce heat to medium-low and brush the molasses glaze over the chops, flipping once more to caramelize the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove from the pan and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.