Grilled Pork Chops
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Marinating Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
410 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Pork Chops
Description
Grilled Pork Chops use a marinade combining soy sauce, light brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to season the pork. The marinade helps tenderize the chops and impart a blend of savory, slightly sweet, and smoky notes. After marinating, the chops are cooked on a preheated grill over medium heat, ensuring good searing by not moving the meat during cooking. The recommended doneness is 145°F, lending juicy, tender pork with a nicely cooked crust.
The marinade contains several layers of flavor including mustard and smoked paprika, which add subtle tang and warmth. Cooking the chops with the lid closed ensures consistent heat and thorough cooking without drying the meat. These pork chops can be prepared using charcoal, gas grill, indoor cast iron grill pan, or oven, adapting as needed for available equipment.
For safety and best results, a digital thermometer is advised to check doneness. Marinating time can be flexible, with longer times yielding better flavor and moisture retention. The recipe notes also mention different cooking methods for those without outdoor grills, including baking at 350°F for about 25 minutes, flipping midway through cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce I use lite or reduced sodium
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme may be substituted, fresh
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika may be substituted
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 pork chops bone-in or boneless
- parsley for garnishing optional, fresh
Instructions
- To a large ziptop bag, add all the ingredients, seal the bag, and squish everything around to evenly coat the pork chops. This can be done in a bowl but I find a bag to be much more convenient.
- Place in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour. Note - A marinating time of 15 minutes or any portion of an hour is fine if you're short on time but the chops will be less flavorful and less juicy the less time they marinate.
- Preheat an outdoor gas grill* (See Notes for other cooking options) to medium and after it's hot, add the pork chops (discard the bag with the marinade), and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on the first side with the lid closed. Tips - Don't move the chops around after you set them down because you want them to sear. Be patient and don't even check on them for 5 minutes.
- Flip over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes with the lid closed, or until done which is 145F. Use a digital thermometer if you're unsure. Tips - It's fine to pull the chops off the grill at 140F because the internal temp will continue to rise even off the grill. Make sure to rest the chops for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into them for the juiciest pork chops.
- Optionally garnish with parsley and serve. Extra pork chops will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 15 minutes adds flavor, but 1 hour is ideal for juicier chops.
- Charcoal grills add smoky flavor but gas grills or indoor pans work well too.
- A digital thermometer helps ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Oven baking at 350°F for about 25 minutes is a good alternative, flipping once halfway.
- Discard unused marinade to avoid contamination.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 410 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 410kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15g | 88% |
| Cholesterol | 132mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 647mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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