Grilled Pork Shoulder Chops with Nectarine Slaw

If you have grill duties this 4th of July, show everyone you have the right stuff with these succulent pork chops. Shoulder chops aren’t as common as loin chops so you may need to ask a butcher to cut them for you. They have more flavor, and this garlicky rub guarantees that they will be a dish you want to make all summer long. Juicy California nectarines make this slaw a standout. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Rub: 

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed between your fingers 
• 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt 
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder 
• ¾ teaspoon ground fennel 
• ¾ teaspoon paprika  
• 4 bone-in pork shoulder blade chops, about 8 ounces (225 g) each and ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick 
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

 Dressing: 

• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, or more as needed 
• 2 teaspoons honey  
• Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 

 Slaw: 

• ½ pound (225 g) green cabbage, cored and very thin sliced 
• ¼ pound (115 g) radicchio, cored and very thinly sliced 
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated 
• 1/3 cup (40 g) minced green onion, white and pale green parts only 
• 1/3 cup (40 g) toasted slivered almonds 
• 1 large ripe but firm nectarine, very thinly sliced 

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients. Brush the chops on both sides with the olive oil. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with the rub, pressing it into place with your fingers. Place the chops on a rack set over a tray and refrigerate, uncovered, for 8 to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before grilling. 

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. 

Prepare a moderately hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.  

Make the slaw: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, radicchio, carrot, green onion, almonds, and nectarine. Toss to mix. Add enough of the dressing to coat the slaw lightly; you may not need it all. Toss gently and taste for seasoning. 

Grill the chops about 5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Let rest 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle, then serve with the slaw. 

Suggested Pairings:

Bella Vista Winery ~ 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon – Deep red color that highlights flavors of blackberries and cassis.

Leoness Cellars ~ 2018 Cellar Selection Zinfandel – Offers beautiful aromas and flavors of sweet black fruit with hints of vanilla, allspice and black licorice framed by soft tannins and a long, silky finish.

Masia de la Vinya ~ 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon – Rose petals, baked cherry pie, slight bite of white pepper.

Wiens Family Cellars ~ 2019 Dualis – While being a true 50/50 split, our 2019 Dualis shows more classic notes of Zinfandel, with the Cabernet playing a supporting role.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California.