Smoked Pork Loin Chops with Apricot Bourbon BBQ sauce recipe

bourbon

🥗Healthier: apple cider

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider provides a tangy flavor without alcohol.

apricot preserves

🥗Healthier: sugar-free apricot jam

💰Cheaper: peach preserves

Sugar-free options reduce calories while maintaining sweetness.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is a healthier alternative with a lower glycemic index.

pork loin chops

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken breast is leaner, while pork shoulder offers a cost-effective option.

Prepare the Kansas City style rub by mixing together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup salt, 1/4 cup pepper, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons black pepper, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 crushed cloves of garlic. Sweat until the onions are translucent.

Add 1 cup of all natural apricot preserves, 1 cup of chili sauce, 1/2 cup of Kentucky bourbon, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of mustard to the saucepan.

Let the sauce reduce and thicken over medium heat.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F using apple wood and cherry wood.

Rub the pork loin with the Kansas City style rub and place it in the smoker.

Cook the pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, which should take about 1 hour.

After reaching the desired temperature, move the pork loin to direct heat to get a nice char and grill marks.

Taste the pork loin to check for flavor and doneness.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens