Grilled: Pilaf-Stuffed Pork Chops

Posted by Ole On July - 12 - 2012

Looking to switch up your grilling routine? These pork chops are stuffed with brown rice, sweet peppers, and oregano and grilled for a two-in-one meal.

It’s no secret that we love to grill around here. Many who visit often comment at my grill and smoker collection (which grew by one yesterday). Sometimes I use charcoal, sometimes I use hardwood, but most often I use gas to fuel our outdoor cooking. While gas is quick, easy, and consistent, it can sometimes fall a little short in the flavor department so I’m always looking for ways to bring in extra notes to the palate.

In this instance, we were looking to really ramp things up so I thought, why not cram the side dish into the main dish? It’s a great way to introduce additional flavors and textures to a big hunk of meat and extra flavor into the side dish at the same time.

We started with four nice, thick boneless pork chops each measuring about 1.5″ thick or more. I cut a pocket, as big as possible into the edge, being careful not to poke out the backside. A simple mixture of cooked brown rice, sweet peppers, and onion along with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh oregano was packed inside. After a quick trip to the grill and a short rest it was time to eat.

The onions and peppers brought a ton of flavor to the chop and the rice kept the pork from drying out. To bring even more flavor to the table, we served Bush’s Smokehouse Tradition Grillin’ Beans on the side. The sweetness in the beans complimented the peppers in the stuffing nicely, and the hint of smoke introduced what would otherwise have been lacking due to the use of a gas grill. Sadly, I watched in horror as the entire family completely consumed every bite, robbing me of what could have been some great leftovers for lunch the next day. It was hard to blame them, though; good food doesn’t last long around here.

This post is in partnership with Bush’s. The recipe was developed as a collaboration between Ole and Shaina. We like to think our collaborations are highly successful, like children. We seem pretty adept at making them, so we thought we’d try a few other things as well. The words were written by Ole and edited by Shaina. Photos by Shaina. Grill marks by Ole.

4 thick-cut pork chops
1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
½ red onion, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the pork chops, making the pocket as big as possible without cutting through the backside. In a medium bowl, mix the rice, bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into each chop, trying to get them as full as possible. Place any leftover stuffing into a foil pouch and seal.

Preheat your grill to high and clean the grate. Apply a coating of olive oil or non-stick grilling spray. Place the chops and the foil pouch on the grill, close the lid, and allow to cook for about three minutes. Flip the chops and grill for another three minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, flip, and cook each side for an additional three minutes. Your cooking time will vary considerably depending on the thickness of the chops and the heat of your grill.

When they’re done, remove them to a foil-lined plate, cover and let rest for at least five minutes. Serve with any leftover stuffing from the pouch.


Makes 4 servings.
Copyright © Food for My Family.
Be Sociable, Share!

More from Food for My Family

    Smoked Pork Chops with Jalapeño Apricot Chutney
    One Skillet Portuguese Pork and Clams at Lark with Windows Phone
    Grilled Pineapple-Mango Salmon
    Classic Rock Grilled Chicken – Smoke on the Water
    Grilled: Sweet and Tangy Peppered Beef Ribs

15 Responses to “Grilled: Pilaf-Stuffed Pork Chops”

  1. TidyMom says:

    only thing better than a grilled pork chop is a STUFFED grilled pork chop!

    Steve LOVES grilled pork chops, and this is a great way to switch up the same ole, same ole and paired with my favorite Smokehouse beans…..I’m ready for dinner and it’s only 11:20am!
    TidyMom´s last post ..I’m Lovin’ It: Panera {Giveaway}

  2. I don’t think you;d even need any side with this meal! It looks satisfying on its own. :)
    Sommer@ASpicyPerspective´s last post ..Chocolate Banana Coconut Cake

  3. Shaina, Shaina! Everything you make looks so incredibly delicious! These are no exception. YUM!
    bridget {bake at 350}´s last post ..The Night Sky…and Astronomy 101

  4. Allison says:

    I’ve been looking for some new grill recipes – this is a must try!
    Allison´s last post ..BLT Pasta with Garlic Toast Bread Crumbs

  5. Jeanette says:

    Love the brown rice stuffing Shaina!
    Jeanette´s last post ..Grilled Bell Peppers and Summer Squash Recipe (Power Food)

  6. I love the idea of stuffing this with rice, what a great idea and easy!
    Cathy @ Noble Pig´s last post ..Crispy Lemon-Herbed Chicken Fingers with Chive-Garlic Aioli

  7. Love the idea of these chops and that rice sounds amazing! Nice job, Ole!
    Jamie | My Baking Addiction´s last post ..7Up Pound Cake

  8. Tracy says:

    I’m not even a huge pork chop, fan but these look amazing! I’ll have to hand this recipe over to the grill master. ;-)
    Tracy´s last post ..Nutella Yogurt Cake

  9. Tracy says:

    Oops, misplaced comma haha…I am not a huge pork chop. At least I don’t think. ;-)
    Tracy´s last post ..Nutella Yogurt Cake

  10. Love all the flavors and textures! Have never seen pork chops stuffed with anything before. Great idea!
    Brian @ A Thought For Food´s last post ..Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Kimchi

  11. Amanda says:

    Oh. My. Gosh. This looks so good! Love everything about this!
    Amanda´s last post ..Exploring the Islands of Sweden

  12. cassie says:

    We love to grill too, all year around! I’m not usually a fan of pork but stuffed with rice, I am on board!
    cassie´s last post ..Wednesday Ramblings

  13. Okay, now I’m feeling robbed. I didn’t get any grilled food, and I didn’t get any of those delicious smelling pancakes on Monday night. However, I did get a couple of hours hanging out with your beautiful wife, and for that, I thank you, Ole. Such a fab idea. I’m thinking this would also be really fabulous with bison.
    Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies´s last post ..Beef & Mushroom Stir Fry

  14. [...] Grilled Stuffed Pork Chopsfrom Food for My Family | Bacon Chicken with Cream Cheese Filling at My Blessed Life | Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad, Gluten-free from With Style & Grace | Peach Pork Chops at Moore Minutes [...]

  15. TidyMom says:

    Thanks for linking up Shaina! I featured your recipe in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2012/family-freindly-dinner-recipe-roundup/

    Have a great holiday weekend!
    TidyMom´s last post ..I’m Lovin’ It Wrap Up: 12 Dinner Ideas

Leave a Reply

CommentLuv badge
Subscribe in a Feed Reader Subscribe by Email My Facebook Page My Flickr Stream @foodformyfamily on Twitter
Desserts In Jars

Find Me Here

Visit Lifetime Moms Here

Visit Enough Time Mom Here

Top 50 Mommy Food Blog

Tasty Bloggers