Reverse Seared Pork Chops
Ph.B.

Reverse Seared Pork Chops

Cold smoke, rest, then sear — the revolutionary method

Prep15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Servings2-4 people
Difficultymedium
Recommended WoodApple or fruit wood (cold smoke)
Pairs WithSauce Beautiful — White

From the pit kitchen of Jim Quessenberry, Ph.B.

Original archive photo for Reverse Seared Pork Chops
Original photo from the Jim Quessenberry archives

Method

Instructions

Get a nice indirect heat source going, preferably with charcoal or fruit wood for added flavor, and let it mellow out to glowing coals. Use a water pan or divider if you have to — you want smoke with a little heat, not flame-kissing the chops.

Let the pork chops rest up to room temperature so the meat absorbs smoke better when you place them on the heat source.

Place the chops indirectly over the heat source with apple chips smoking until the internal temp reaches 125–130°F. Remove and let them rest.

Stoke the fire to a really hot temp and put a flat skillet directly over the heat until it's nearly red hot. Dash Hickory Rub on all sides of the chops and glaze with a little butter. Let that sit for a minute or two.

Drop the chops on the screaming-hot skillet and sear for up to 2 minutes on each side. Remove to a warmer or indirect heat chamber while you finish the sides.

Plate with a drizzle of Sauce Beautiful White over the chops and a spritz of lemon juice. Serve with grilled or steamed veggies and rice pilaf or scalloped sweet potatoes if you want starch.

Pairs with Sauce Beautiful — White

From the Legacy

Jim's reverse-sear approach: gentle smoke to 125–130°F, rest, then a screaming-hot skillet for a crust without overcooking the center. Thick chops only — thin cuts won't forgive you.

The full story

Quess — The Arkansas Trav'ler

Michael Quessenberry's memoir of Jim's championship journey — from Birdeye pits to two-time World Champion. Pre-order now.

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2× World Champion 2× World Champion Irish Cup World Champion 1985 Irish Cup World Champion 1985 Irish Cup World Champion 1987 Irish Cup World Champion 1987 BBQ Hall of Fame Semi-Finalist 2019 BBQ Hall of Fame Semi-Finalist 2019 Arkansas Trav'ler Cooking Team Arkansas Trav'ler Cooking Team Memphis in May 1978–1994 Memphis in May 1978–1994