I do not know what it is about a pork chops that is just *chef’s kiss*. When I arrived to Iowa in…. …. …. 2015. (Wow, 5 years already) I was introduced to Iowa Chops. In essence, Iowa Chops are thick pork chops (around 1 inch thick). I always joke that Puerto Rico is the long lost cousin of Iowa in the sense that we love our pork. Instead of a turkey, we mostly substitute for a Boston cut pork shoulder for any of our holidays.

Yesterday, I shared my steakhouse seasoning. It’s surprisingly easy to make and with how #quarantinecooking is going, you can always switch up the pepper that you use which whatever you find in your grocery store or use your favorite pepper.

If you are like me, you have been reading the newsletters from Bon Appétit, NYT cooking, and any other newsletters I can get to keep the ideas flowing and not watch any news so that I don’t go in a downward spiral. Anyways, in true Iowa fashion, I made this when it was 80 degrees. 6 hours later, it was 35 and raining, so feel free to use this using a grill or a cast iron skillet in your house. I personally like using this on a grill so that I can get a more smoky flavor. Here’s my how to in making my steakhouse Iowa Chops!

Recap: Steakhouse Seasoning

2 tablespoons of kosher salt
2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar
4 teaspoons of paprika
4 teaspoons of Aleppo pepper powder
2 teaspoons of dried thyme
2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder
1 teaspoon of ground cumin

Shake all of these in a container and you are ready to use!
You will have extra, which for the next time you get on a grilling streak.

How to:

1. Preheat your grill (I use a gas grill, I preheated it to 450)

2. Lightly oil your chops. Season your chops liberally . Once your grill is preheated, add the chops and leave. Them. alone. For 8 minutes. Only move if there is a MAJOR flare-up.

3. Flip the chops and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature is 145 degrees. Also, if they look a little pink, its fine. All that matters is that temperature (which you should take from the thickest part. In the middle. Try to avoid hitting the bone!)

Enjoy with some garlic mashed potatoes to truly treat yourself to a #steakhouse night!

Truly treat yourself with with a perfect margarita.