Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Plum Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon five spice powder 
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 2 medium garlic clove finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger peeled finely chopped (from 1 [2-inch] piece)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 
• 0.3 cup honey 
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 pound plums pitted cut into 1-inch pieces ( 3 to 4 medium plums)
• 4  pork loin chops bone-in 1-inch-thick ()
• 0.3 cup shallots (from 1 medium shallot)
• 1 tablespoon soya sauce 

Equipment

• sauce pan
• blender
• grill
• kitchen thermometer
• aluminum foil
• kitchen towels

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the shallot, ginger, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the plums are completely softened and falling apart, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a blender.
5. Remove the small cap from the lid (the pour lid) and cover the space with a kitchen towel (this allows steam to escape and prevents the lid from popping off), then blend until smooth.
6. Heat an outdoor grill to medium (about 350°F to 450°F). If the pork chops have been refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
7. Place the pork chops on the grill, close it, and cook until grill marks appear on the bottom, about 9 minutes. Flip the pork chops, close the grill, and cook until they’re browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted next to the bone in the thickest pork chop registers 145°F, about 6 to 10 minutes more.
8. Transfer the pork chops to a clean serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest in a warm place for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with the plum sauce.