Easy and Delicious Grilled Pork Chop Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Welcome to the world of mouthwatering flavors and tender, juicy bites! If you’re craving a delicious meal that combines the smoky goodness of grilling with the succulent satisfaction of pork, look no further than our Grilled Pork Chop Recipe. This foolproof recipe will guide you through creating perfectly grilled pork chops guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the irresistible aroma and tantalizing taste with this recipe.

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

Selecting The Best Cuts For Grilling

When grilling pork chops, choosing the right cut is key. You want a cut that will provide juicy and tender meat while standing up to the grill’s heat. One of my favorite cuts for grilling is the bone-in rib chop. The bone helps to retain moisture and adds extra flavor to the meat. These thick chops have an excellent marbling, ensuring they stay moist throughout the grilling process.

Another great option is the boneless center-cut chop. This cut is leaner than the rib chop but still incredibly flavorful. It cooks quickly and evenly on the grill, making it perfect for when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

Make sure it is at least 1 inch thick, no matter which cut you choose. Thinner chops tend to dry out quickly on the grill. And always look for chops that have a pinkish-red color with a small amount of marbling. This will ensure that your grilled pork chops are both tender and flavorful.

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selecting the best cuts for grilling

Bone-In Vs. Boneless Pork Chops

When choosing the right pork chops for grilling, one important decision you’ll need to make is whether to go with bone-in or boneless. Both have their advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Bone-in pork chops give you that classic, rustic presentation and bring an extra layer of flavor. The bone acts as a natural insulator, helping the meat stay juicy and tender while on the grill. Plus, it can add a bit of natural sweetness to the meat as it cooks. The bone also serves as a convenient handle when flipping the chop on the grill.

On the other hand, boneless pork chops offer convenience and ease of eating. They cook more quickly than bone-in chops since no bone can slow the cooking process. They’re also easier to portion out and serve at the table.

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Tips And Tricks For Perfect Grilled Pork Chops

  1. Start with the right thickness: Choose thick-cut pork chops for grilling. They hold their moisture better and are less likely to dry out on the grill. Aim for chops that are around 1 inch thick.
  2. Season generously: Avoid using bold spices and seasonings to give your pork chops a flavor kick.
  3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the pork chops on the grates. This will help seal in the juices and give you that crisp exterior.
  4. Oil the grates: Prevent your pork chops from sticking by lightly oiling the grates with olive oil or using a non-stick cooking spray. This will also help achieve those beautiful sear marks without any hassle.
  5. Cook with care: Grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Let them rest: This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Two Ways To Prepare Your Pork Chops: Marinating And Dry Rub

two ways to prepare your pork chops marinating and dry rub

When preparing your pork chops, two tried-and-true methods can take your grilling game to the next level: marinating and using a dry rub. Each technique lends unique flavors and textures to the meat, giving you options to suit your taste preferences.

  • Marinating is all about infusing the pork chops with delicious flavors and tenderizing the meat. Place the pork chops in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over them, and let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more succulent when grilled.
  • On the other hand, a dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs rubbed onto the pork chops’ surface before grilling. This creates a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

The Benefits Of Using Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops

Here are some reasons why you should choose this cut for your next fiery barbecue:

  1. Juiciness: With the bone intact, these pork chops retain more moisture, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product. The bone acts as an insulator, preventing the meat from drying on the grill.
  2. Enhanced Flavor: As the meat cooks, the bone imparts a savory and smoky flavor unmatched by boneless cuts.
  3. Improved Texture: Thick-cut pork chops provide a substantial bite that is satisfying and feels substantial on your palate. The combination of meat and bone creates a wonderful contrast in texture, making each bite a delight.
  4. Beautiful Presentation: Bone-in pork chops are present beautifully on the plate, showing their impressive size and the skillful grilling technique used to achieve perfection.
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Pairing Suggestions For Your Grilled Pork Chops

  1. Spicy slaw: Add some heat to your meal with a zesty slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a spicy dressing. The crunch of the slaw will contrast beautifully with the tender pork.
  2. Grilled vegetables: Take advantage of the grilling season by cooking fresh vegetables alongside your pork chops. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions all pair well with the smoky flavors of the grill.
  3. Sweet and tangy sauces: The combination of flavors will create a delicious harmony on your plate.
  4. Creamy mashed potatoes: The velvety texture and buttery flavor perfectly complement the juicy pork chops.
  5. Citrus salad: Create a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork by serving it with a citrus salad. Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons add brightness to each bite.

Grilled Pork Chop Recipe

selecting the best cuts for grilling
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 thick center-cut pork chops (1.5 inches thick)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mesquite seasoning
  • Red River Mud Barbecue sauce

Instructions

    1. Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mesquite seasoning in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously all over the pork chops and place them on a flat pan with a wire rack.
    2. Let the pork chops brine in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
    3. After 12 hours, flip the pork chops over to dry out a little.
    4. Preheat the grill to 300°F on indirect heat.
    5. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
    6. Move the pork chops to the direct heat side of the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
    7. Let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
    8. Brush the pork chops with Red River Mud Barbecue sauce before serving.
    9. Enjoy the juicy and tender Grilled Pork Chops with your favorite sides!

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