Grilled pork chops are a culinary delight that you can master with the right technique and ingredients.
Curious about the perfect sides and storage tips?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 grill
- 1 meat thermometer
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 small bowl
- 1 brush
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking grilled pork chops, follow the timeline below:
Prep Work and Cooking Timeline:
- Pre-Preparation (5 minutes):
- Reading and Organizing: Spend about 5 minutes reading the recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and tools (grill, meat thermometer, tongs, small bowl, brush).
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheating the Grill: Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. This will take about 10 minutes.
- Preparing the Spice Mixture (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, paprika, and thyme.
- Marinating (5 minutes):
- Brushing Pork Chops: Brush the pork chops on both sides with the prepared spice mixture.
- Grilling (12 minutes):
- Cooking on the Grill: Place the pork chops on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Resting (5 minutes):
- Resting the Meat: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Additional Tips:
- Bringing the pork chops to room temperature before grilling can help guarantee even cooking, so factor in extra time if needed.
- Consider adding wood chips to the grill if you prefer a smokier taste.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and thyme.
Brush the pork chops on both sides with the spice mixture.
Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and classic side dish to complement the savory flavors of the grilled pork chops.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair with an assortment of seasonal grilled vegetables for a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
- Apple Sauce: A traditional accompaniment, apple sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory pork.
- Coleslaw: A revitalizing coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a hint of tang that balances the richness of the pork.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve with a flavorful rice pilaf to soak up the juices from the pork chops and complete the meal.
Storage
To store grilled pork chops, let them cool completely.
Then, wrap tightly in aluminum foil or an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer preservation.
Freezing
To freeze grilled pork chops, allow them to cool completely.
Wrap each chop in plastic wrap.
Then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Label with the date and consume within three months.
Reheating
To reheat grilled pork chops, use an oven set at 300°F.
Wrap chops in foil to retain moisture and heat for 10-15 minutes.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving.
Final Thoughts
Grilled pork chops are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. They offer a perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
By following the recipe, you can create a meal that’s certain to impress. Remember to let the pork chops rest after grilling.
This step guarantees the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Enjoy your grilled pork chops with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prevent Pork Chops From Drying Out on the Grill?
Make certain pork chops stay juicy by marinating them in olive oil, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to reach 145°F, then let rest before serving.
What’s the Best Type of Wood Chips for a Smoky Flavor?
For a smoky flavor, use hickory or apple wood chips. Soak 1 cup in water for 30 minutes, then drain. Add to the grill’s coals or smoker box. Maintain temperature at medium-high for ideal infusion.
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
You can use boneless pork chops, but adjust the cooking time. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side. Make certain the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Boneless chops cook faster, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Know When the Grill Is at Medium-High Heat?
Use your grill’s built-in thermometer to check if it reaches 375°F-450°F, indicating medium-high heat. If unavailable, hold your hand 5 inches above the grate; you should feel heat within 4-5 seconds.
Are There Any Alternative Spices That Pair Well With Pork Chops?
You can substitute the spices with 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for a spicier kick. Try adding 1 teaspoon rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist. Adjust based on your taste preferences.
Grilled Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 Grill
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 brush
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and thyme.
- Brush the pork chops on both sides with the spice mixture.
- Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
