Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe

I’m a huge fan of pork chops now, but it wasn’t always that way. For a long time, I just didn’t know how to cook them right. They’d turn out dry, tough, and totally flavorless—basically the kind of meal you force down but don’t enjoy.

Then I discovered this amazing Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe that completely changed my perspective. These thick, juicy pork chops are packed with flavor, with a mouthwatering bourbon butter glaze that makes them taste like they came straight from a high-end steakhouse.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at pork chops the same way again.

Bone-in or Boneless? Which is Better?

For this recipe, I prefer boneless pork chops. They cook evenly, are easier to work with, and absorb the seasoning beautifully.

While bone-in chops can add extra flavor, the simplicity and juiciness of boneless make them the ideal choice for replicating the Outback Steakhouse experience at home.

What Is in Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe?

Here is the ingredients list you need to make this dish;

Pork Chops: 5 Thick-cut boneless pork loin chops (about 12 ounces each) are perfect for this recipe. Look for high-quality cuts for the best flavor.

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)

Steakhouse Rub:

• 1 tablespoon coarse-ground steak seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Bourbon Butter Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or substitute apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)

Recipe Substitutions

1. No Bourbon? Substitute apple juice or cider for a non-alcoholic glaze with similar sweetness and depth.
2. Prefer Bone-in Chops? Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure even doneness.
3. Low on Steak Rub? Use a mix of black pepper, coarse salt, and dried herbs to replicate the flavor.

Kitchen Appliances

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

1. A grill or grill pan (preferably with a two-zone setup for direct and indirect heat).
2. A meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
3. A basting brush for the glaze.
4. A sharp knife for butterflying and slicing the pork chops.

How To Make Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops

Step 1 | Prepare the Pork Chops

Trim any excess fat from your pork chops. Butterfly them by slicing halfway through the middle, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Open them like a book to create thick, steak-sized portions.

Step 2 | Season the Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Rub the chops generously with the seasoning blend, ensuring an even coat on both sides.

Add a layer of steakhouse rub for extra flavor and texture.

Step 3 | Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to create a two-zone fire—one side for high heat (direct grilling) and the other for low heat (indirect cooking).

Place a light coat of cooking spray on the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4 | Make the Bourbon Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and bourbon. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5 | Grill the Pork Chops

Place the seasoned pork chops on the hot side of the grill. Cook for 2 minutes, then rotate 90 degrees to get beautiful grill marks.

Flip the chops and repeat on the other side.

Move the chops to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Let them cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.

Step 6 | Add the Glaze

Brush the bourbon butter glaze generously over the chops.

Let them cook for another 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 135–140°F. Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Butterfly with Care: Don’t cut all the way through; the chop should still hold together.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures the pork is cooked perfectly without drying out.
• Rest Time Matters: Letting the pork rest helps redistribute the juices for a moist bite every time.

What to Serve with Pork Chops

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich bourbon glaze.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a fresh contrast.
3. Crispy Bread Rolls: Use them to soak up the extra glaze—trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
4. Apple Slaw: A tangy apple slaw complements the smoky, sweet chops beautifully.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap each chop in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F or on a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a little glaze or broth to keep them juicy.

Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe FAQs

1. How thick should I cut the pork chops?

Cut them about 1½ inches thick before butterflying. This thickness helps keep the meat juicy while giving you that steakhouse feel. When butterflied, they’ll open up to create an impressive portion size that cooks evenly.

2. Why do we butterfly the pork chops?

Butterflying creates an even thickness for better cooking. It also makes the chops look bigger and more impressive, just like at Outback Steakhouse. The extra surface area means more space for seasonings and those tasty grill marks.

3. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! Use a cast iron pan or grill pan on your stove. Heat it until very hot, then follow the same cooking steps. You might not get the same smoky flavor, but the meat will still taste great with the bourbon butter glaze.

4. Can I make the bourbon butter glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Warm it gently before using. Just don’t heat it too much or the butter might separate. Stir well before brushing on the meat.

5. What if my pork chops are too thick or thin?

Adjust cooking time based on thickness. Thinner chops need less time (about 3-4 minutes per side), while thicker ones need more. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

6. Why does my glaze burn on the grill?

Apply glaze near the end of cooking and keep chops on the cooler side of the grill. The sugar in the glaze can burn quickly on high heat. If needed, move chops further from heat source.

7. Can I use this recipe for other meats?

This recipe works great with chicken breasts or even thick-cut steaks. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat type and thickness. The bourbon butter glaze tastes good on almost anything!

8. How do I prevent the meat from drying out?

Watch the temperature carefully and don’t overcook. Using a meat thermometer is key. The butterflying technique and resting period also help keep moisture in the meat.

Continue to Content

Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe

Yield: Serves 5

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe: Juicy, thick pork chops with a bourbon butter glaze. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Print

Ingredients

• Pork Chops: 5 thick-cut boneless pork loin chops (12 oz each)

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Steakhouse Rub:

• 1 tbsp steak seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Bourbon Butter Glaze:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp bourbon (or apple juice as substitute)

Instructions

Step 1 | Prepare the Pork Chops

Trim any excess fat from your pork chops. Butterfly them by slicing halfway through the middle, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Open them like a book to create thick, steak-sized portions.

Step 2 | Season the Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Rub the chops generously with the seasoning blend, ensuring an even coat on both sides.

Add a layer of steakhouse rub for extra flavor and texture.

Step 3 | Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to create a two-zone fire—one side for high heat (direct grilling) and the other for low heat (indirect cooking).

Place a light coat of cooking spray on the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4 | Make the Bourbon Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and bourbon. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5 | Grill the Pork Chops

Place the seasoned pork chops on the hot side of the grill. Cook for 2 minutes, then rotate 90 degrees to get beautiful grill marks.

Flip the chops and repeat on the other side.

Move the chops to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Let them cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.

Step 6 | Add the Glaze

Brush the bourbon butter glaze generously over the chops.

Let them cook for another 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 135–140°F. Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgCarbohydrates: 15gSugar: 12gProtein: 35g

Final Words

I love sharing this Outback Steakhouse Pork Chops Recipe because it turns an ordinary dinner into something special. The bourbon butter glaze adds such amazing flavor, and the grilling technique gives you restaurant results at home. I know you’ll enjoy making these pork chops as much as I do.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Share your cooking pictures with us, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes like this one.