Barbecue Journey with Dan ‘The Man’ — Pork Chop Sandwich with Sweet Onion Topping

Watermelon was always on the table in July. I didn't question why watermelon only appeared in July. I didn't care.

But there it was in its sweet, delicious glory. In July.

I don't know what a Vidalia onion is, but that's what Dr. BBQ calls for in his book "Ribs, Chops, Steaks and Wings" under the "Pork Chop Sandwich with Grilled Vidalia Onions" recipe.

Diligently I traipsed to the grocery store, went straight to produce and stared at a pile of sweet onions, white onions, yellow onions, red onions, one fish, two fish. There were no Vidalia onions!

I asked the grocer.

"They aren't in season until May," he said.

Then it all clicked. And now I know why watermelon comes in July.

I substituted sweet onion for Vidalia onion after doing a quick internet search in the store. From what I understand there's almost no difference, especially when you are caramelizing the onion anyway.

Now, I present to you: "Pork Chop Sandwich with Grilled ~~Vidalia~~ Sweet Onions"

The rub Dr. BBQ suggests is incredibly salty when made to his specifications. I thought it detracted from the overall quality. I'm also a guy who does not care much for salt. You may not be like me. I just felt the salt overwhelmed the subtler tastes of paprika, tarragon, thyme.

Of the five recipes I have made, this was the first dud. Interestingly, my issue with the dish was not because the pork chop was dry. It wasn't; It was tender and, dare I say, juicy. But the onions did nothing for me and the salt was way too much.

Sometime after May 1, I will attempt with Vidalia onions and cut back on the salt in the rub and see how that goes.

Overall, I give this a 4 on my scale of 1-10.

Big Chuck Tries The Sandwich

Here's what you need:

Pork Chop Rub:
Salt
Black Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
Lemon Pepper
Tarragon
Thyme
Sugar in the Raw

Balsamic Mixture:
Balsamic vinegar
Soy Sauce
Brown Sugar
Black Pepper

Other Ingredients:
Vidalia onion
Olive Oil
1/2 inch thick boneless pork chops
Kaiser roll

1. Make the Rub

Combine all ingredients for the rub and put in airtight container. (It's good to season 6-10 chops)

TSM

2. Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in skillet or pan on medium. Add thinly slice onion and cook for 8 minutes. Then add the balsamic mixture and continue cooking for 8 more minutes until all onions are soft and brown/black looking.

TSM