Lemon Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
449 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Lemon Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Description
This recipe uses a marinade of minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The pork chops, about 2cm thick and bone-in, marinate for one to three hours to absorb flavors without becoming overly soft from the lemon's acidity. The cooking method can be grilling with high heat or pan-searing, each producing a nicely charred exterior with a juicy interior.
The result is pork chops with a balance of tangy lemon and aromatic oregano, lifted by garlic. The option to serve with minted yogurt sauce adds a cool, creamy complement enhancing the meat's richness and freshness.
Herb variations can be made, adjusting quantities for stronger herbs. For thinner chops or chicken, shorter marinating times are advised to avoid texture issues from the lemon juice. Resting the meat after cooking helps redistribute juices.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tbsp oregano or other herbs, Note 1, dried
- lemon zest of 1
- 1/3 cup (85 ml) lemon juice (1 large or 2 medium lemons)
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pork:
- 4 pork chops 2cm / 4/5" thick about 280g/9 oz each (Note 2, bone in
- neutral cooking oil for cooking, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Whisk Marinade ingredients in a bowl (or ziplock bag). Add pork. Marinade for 1 hr minimum, 3 hours ideal, 12 hours max (Note 3).
- Take the pork out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
- Shake excess marinade off (but don't wipe dry) and cook using preferred method. Pictured in post served with Minted Yoghurt - see notes!
BBQ:
- Brush grills / plate with oil and heat on high until smoking.
- Place pork on grills and cook the first side for 4 minutes until it is nicely charred. Turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Turn the porks on their side to briefly sear the fat side (see video). Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Stove:
- Heat skillet with about 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add pork and cook for 1 minute, then turn DOWN slightly to medium high. Cook for another 3 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Turn the porks on their side to briefly sear the fat side (see video).
- Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200C / 390F (fan forced / convection) or 220C / 430F (standard oven).
- Place oven shelf in top 1/3 of oven.
- Place pork on tray. Bake for 15 minutes, then flick to grill/broiler and grill on high for 5 minutes until the surface is nicely browned.
- Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Notes
- Marinate pork chops for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 hours, but no more than 12 hours due to lemon juice acidity.
- Swapping herbs is possible; reduce strong herbs like rosemary, rosemary, tarragon, and sage accordingly.
- For thinner pork chops or chicken, marinate for shorter periods to prevent over-tenderizing.
- Serve with optional minted yogurt sauce made from yogurt, mint, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil for added freshness.
- Let meat rest 3-5 minutes after cooking before serving to keep juices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 449 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 204g | |
| Calories | 449cal | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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