Trisha Yearwood Pork Candy Recipe

Trisha Yearwood’s Pork Candy recipe brings a unique blend of sweet and savory tastes to your grill.

Juicy pork steaks are seasoned perfectly, grilled to medium perfection, and finished with a delectable apple cider glaze.

Remember this:

Brush the apple cider glaze over the pork during the last couple of minutes of cooking to get that seductive caramelized finish!

How to Make Trisha Yearwood Pork Candy Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Pork Steaks
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 tbsp BBQ Seasoning Blend
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
• 1 tsp Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Coat your pork steaks with olive oil to keep them moist and help the seasoning stick.

Sprinkle the BBQ seasoning blend evenly over every side of the pork steaks.

Step 2:

Preheat your grill pan over medium heat.

Once hot, place the seasoned pork steaks on the grill pan.

Step 3:

Grill the pork steaks until they reach medium doneness, which usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes.

Flip halfway through to cook both sides lightly.

Step 4:

In a separate pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and honey.

Gently simmer the mixture until it thickens into a glazed sauce.

Step 5:

During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the pork steaks generously with the apple cider glaze you prepared.

Let the glaze caramelize and coat each steak for the best flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Glaze Thickness

Simmer the apple cider glaze slowly to achieve the perfect thickness, ensuring it coats the pork without running off too quickly.

You want it sticky enough to cling but smooth enough to drizzle over.

Even Seasoning Spreads

Season the pork steaks with an even hand, using a small bowl of the BBQ seasoning to apply with fingers.

This ensures you cover the meat thoroughly, enhancing the flavor all around.

Optimal Grilling Temperature

Maintain a medium heat on your grill pan to cook the pork evenly without burning the glaze.

This helps achieve that tender texture you want without the risk of overcooking.

Refresh Leftovers

Refresh any leftover pork candy by reheating in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Cover with a lid to steam gently, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Pork Cut Alternatives

For a variation, consider using pork tenderloin or chops, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Different cuts provide slightly different textures, but the same delicious flavors.

What to Serve with Trisha Yearwood Pork Candy Recipe

Classic Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs so well with pork candy!

A hint of garlic in the potatoes brings out the flavors in the pork even more.

This classic side is a comforting choice that complements the caramelized coating of the pork candy wonderfully.

Grilled Asparagus

For a lighter option, grilled asparagus is a fantastic choice.

You can add a touch of lemon juice or zest to the asparagus to bring a pop of freshness to the meal.

Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a pleasing way to balance the richness of the pork.

Cranberry-Pecan Salad

A crisp cranberry-pecan salad adds a refreshing contrast to the savory pork.

You can mix fresh greens with dried cranberries, pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette.

The sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries work beautifully with the pork candy.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts sautéed with a bit of olive oil and garlic make for a savory, vibrant side.

They add a depth with their robust flavors and perfect crunch.

They’re an often overlooked vegetable that pairs well with the rich pork candy.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and earthy, maple-glazed carrots can be a delightful complement to your dish.

The natural sweetness of carrots with a kiss of maple syrup enhances the pork’s caramelized tones.

These carrots add a touch of color and sweetness to your meal presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice Mix Alternatives

You can experiment with different spice blends to bring a unique twist to your pork candy.

Consider using smoked paprika, cumin, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for added heat.

Adjust the quantities to taste and make it your own!

Sweetness Options

This recipe typically features brown sugar in the glaze.

If you’re looking for alternative sweeteners, try using honey or maple syrup.

These will melt and caramelize nicely and offer a slightly different flavor profile.

Meat Substitutions

Pork steaks work well for this dish, but don’t feel limited to them!

Consider using pork belly or even chicken thighs if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.

These cuts also absorb the glaze beautifully, ensuring a flavorful result.

Glaze Enhancements

Enhance your apple cider glaze by adding a splash of your favorite fruit juice such as orange or pineapple.

This is a great way to play with the citrus notes in the glaze while keeping it vibrant and fresh.

These small changes can add a new layer of flavor without overpowering the dish.

How to Store Leftover Trisha Yearwood Pork Candy Recipe

Refrigeration Tips

Once you’ve had your fill of the delicious pork candy, you’ll want to store the leftovers promptly.

Place the leftover pieces in an airtight container.

It’s best to consume the pork candy within three days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Method

If you can’t finish the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them!

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

Make sure to label the bag with the date, so you know when you froze them.

Thawing Suggestions

When you’re ready to eat the frozen pork candy, you’ll need to thaw it safely.

Transfer the pork candy from the freezer to your fridge, letting it defrost slowly.

This gentle thawing method helps maintain that tasty flavor and keeps the texture from becoming too tough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Letting the Pork Rest

You don’t want to slice the pork immediately after it’s cooked.

Letting the pork rest for about five minutes allows the juices to redistribute.

If you slice too early, you risk losing all those delicious juices.

Overcooking the Pork

Pork candy should be tender and juicy, not dry and tough.

Using a meat thermometer is a handy way to check for doneness.

Aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F for the perfect texture.

Skimping on the Glaze

The glaze gives your pork candy that irresistible sweet and savory flavor.

Be generous with it during the last few minutes of grilling.

Make sure to brush it on a few times to create a nice, sticky coating.