Have you ever used a Himalayan salt plate for cooking or serving?
Searing your pork chop on a salt block is the perfect way to impress at your next cookout!Plus it gives your pork the most incredible flavor and crust.
The first time you heat a salt block can be tricky, so make sure you follow my steps below.
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So What Is A Salt Block?
Sourced from the darkest corners of the Himalayan ranges in Pakistan are pink salt slabs.
It’s believed to be the purest, cleanest salt in the world.
Pink salt is full of trace minerals and free from pollution and chemicals.
The slabs of salt are then carved into plates and slabs for barbecuing. Or crushed as a cooking salt among other things.
As a cooking tool, they are fantastic at cooking, chilling, and seasoning food.
Cooling or heating to extreme levels doesn’t affect the quality. Take care to do both at a slow rate to avoid damage.
Why Cook On A Salt Block?
Himalayan salt block cooking is a very versatile way of cooking. You can cook almost anything on a salt slab.
They handle extremes of temperature and infuse food with wonderful natural minerals.
When heated on the grill they are great for searing and cooking food, such as meats and vegetables.
Salt blocks can hold temperatures for a good length of time. So, they are much like using cast iron cookware and as easy to clean.
When chilled, they are great as a serving platter for cold foods like fresh fruit and cheeses.
Will The Salt Affect The Taste?
Cooking or serving on a salt block will give a subtle savory flavor.
The more moist the food, the more intense the salt flavor will be. Dry foods will not alter at all, as there is no moisture to absorb the minerals.
Don’t Have A Salt Block?
You can also try smoking your pork chops. This method ensures they stay juicy and tender but still have a great flavor.
Heating The Salt Block
The key to cooking on a salt block, and taking care of it, is to heat the block slowly to prevent surface cracking.
Make sure the block is completely dry before beginning the heating-up process.
As a general rule of thumb, heat the slab in 50°F increments, increasing every ten minutes.
Heat it in indirect heat to control the temperature increase.
The block is ready for use when its temperature reaches 500°F.Test with a laser thermometer, or splash a few drops of water on.
If the water drops sizzle away quickly, it’s the perfect temperature.
Cooking is best done on a grill, as using it in the oven may damage both the block and the oven.
How To Cook On The Grill Using a Salt Block
Begin by heating the block in stages, on the indirect section of the gas or charcoal grill.
The higher the moisture content of the food you are cooking, the more salt it will absorb.
Longer cooking times will also give a saltier taste, so stick with thinner cuts. Quick-cooking foods are perfect for a salt block.
Note: I wouldn’t cooking crumbed pork chops on the salt block as the crumb will stick and fall off.
Foods with a high-fat content tend to absorb less of a salty flavor.
So if you want to reduce the amount of salt absorbed in the food, coat the salt block with a light layer of oil.
Try layering the block with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. It can help reduce salt absorption and prevent food from sticking.
Care Tips For A Salt Block
If you care for your salt block, it can last years.
When cleaning, allow the block to completely cool down first. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn food bits, then wipe with a moist clean cloth.
You don’t need to use heavy chemical sprays or cleaners, as salt is naturally antimicrobial.
Keep the block as dry as possible – don’t soak or submerge it in water. Store in a dry area where humidity isn’t an issue.
If you live in a high humidity area, wrap in a towel before storing. The salt plate will attract moisture and deteriorate.
The block will wear down over time and use. Once it becomes too small to cook on, you can grate it down to add to food or even have a soak with it in the bath!
Over time, the Himalayan pink salt block may change color from cooking or cleaning. This is perfectly normal.
What You Need for Mediterranean Stuffed Salt Block Pork Chops Recipe
- 2 thick-cut pork chops
- Seasoning
- 3 roughly chopped tomatoes
- 10 roughly chopped basil leaves
- 6 tbsp goat cheese
- Note: pork loin is a good alternative if you can find pork chops
Method for Salt Block Pork Chops
Step 1 – Preparing the Grill
Preheat the grill to 200°F.
Step 2 – Preparing the Salt Block
Place the salt slab on the grill grates of your barbecue. Close the lid, and let them warm through for about 10 minutes.
Turn the heat to medium heat (250°F) for another ten minutes. Increase the temperature by 50°F every 10-15 minutes until the temperature reaches 400°F.
Step 3 – Preparing the Pork Chops
Ensure you allow enough time for the pork chops to thaw completely. Slice a pocket along the middle of the side of the pork chop.
Step 4 – Stuffing the Chops
Mix the stuffing ingredients in a bowl. Push the mixture into the slits on the side of the chops. Secure with a toothpick, if needed.
Step 5 – Seasoning the Pork Chops
Lightly season the outside of the chops with the seasoning this will help tenderize the pork chops.
Let them rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 6 – Cooking the Pork Chops
Place the chops on the pre-heated slab of salt, on the grill.
Cook for approximately ten minutes, flip and cook the other side another ten minutes.
Step 7 – Cooking Temperatures and Times for Pork Chops
Cook for 10-15 minutes, on the salt slab.
Cook until the internal temperature of the pork chop is 145°F, rather than a specific time. Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.
Note: If you may find that your left with some grease from your pork chops. You can reuse the grease for other recipes.
Step 8 – How Long to let Pork Chops Rest?
Remove the chops from the salt blocks. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
What to Serve With Your Pork Chops
We all now that apple sauce goes well with pork chops but what are things can you serve with them?
Serve your pork chops with;
Mac and cheese
See more ideas for sides for pork chops here, they are all simple yet declious recipes.
Print Recipe
Salt Block Pork Chops
Searing your pork chop on a salt block is the perfect way to impress at your next cookout!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Resting Time15 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 308kcal
Author: Charlie
Equipment
Grill
Himalayan Salt Block
Ingredients
- 2 thick-cut pork chops
- 3 roughly chopped tomatoes
- 10 roughly chopped basil leaves
- 6 tbsp goat cheese
Instructions
Preheat the grill to200°F.
Place the salt slab on the grill grates of your barbecue. Close the lid, and let them warm through forabout 10 minutes.
Turn the heat tomedium heat (250°F)for another ten minutes.
Increase the temperature by 50°F every 10-15 minutes until the temperature reaches 400°F.
Slice a pocket along the middle of the side of the pork chop.
Mix the stuffing ingredients in a bowl.Push the mixture into the slits on the side of the chops.Secure with a toothpick, if needed.
Lightly season the outside of the chops with the seasoning. Let rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Place the chops on the pre-heated slab of salt, on the grill. Cook for approximately ten minutes, flip and cook the other side another ten minutes.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, on the salt slab. Cook until the internal temperature is 145°F, rather than a specific time.
Remove the chops from the salt blocks.Cover and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Serve and enjoy!
For a fresh and healthy new way to infuse your food with flavor, why not try using Himalayan salt block cooking?
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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