Grilled Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
319 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Pork Chops
Description
Grilled Pork Chops are prepared by marinating thick-cut, boneless loin chops in a blend of olive oil, lemon zest and juice, honey, garlic, minced jalapeño, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The marinade infuses the pork with a balance of bright citrus, subtle sweetness, savory herbs, and a mild spicy kick. The chops marinate refrigerated for at least three hours or overnight to develop flavor and tenderness.
For cooking, the grill is preheated on high, then cleaned and oiled. Excess marinade is wiped off before placing the chops over medium heat on the grill grate. The chops cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side to develop a caramelized surface with grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking softly until reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Resting the meat for 10 minutes allows juices to redistribute. The finished pork is tender yet well-browned, with a subtle spice and herb aroma. Garnishing with minced parsley adds freshness and color before serving.
These pork chops make a hearty main dish suitable for dinners. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for longer keeping. Marinating ahead enhances convenience, and warming the chops gently on the grill before serving preserves juiciness.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
For the pork chops:
- 4 (8 ounce) pork chops center-cut, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick each (see note 1, boneless
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced, for garnish, optional, fresh
Instructions
To make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic, jalapeño pepper, dried thyme, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Add pork chops; turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight.
To make the pork chops:
- Preheat grill over high heat for 10 minutes. Clean and oil grate. Remove pork chops from marinade and wipe off excess. Allow to come to room temperature while grill preheats.
- Reduce heat to medium and grill pork chops over direct heat, turning occasionally, until well-browned, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to indirect heat, cover, and continue cooking until a thermometer reads 145 degrees at the thickest part, about 5 to 10 minutes longer. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose boneless center-cut pork chops, also called loin or center loin chops, for best texture and size.
- This recipe yields four large pork chops, enough for four servings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- You can marinate the chops the day before and bring them to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Freeze leftover chops in proper packaging for up to four months; thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 319kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 5mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 83mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 464IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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