How to Grill Pork Chops: Butcher’s 20-Minute Recipe Guarantees Juicy + Tender Results

If you’ve tried grilling pork chops and were left with dry, stringy meat, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. This meat can cook up to succulent and tender perfection with a couple of tips from a butcher. Plus, we highlight an easy grilled pork chops recipe that transforms the simple cut into a mouthwatering main. Here’s how to grill pork chops so they’re caramelized on the outside and juicy inside in under 20 minutes!

The ideal thickness for pork chops

When shopping for pork chops, you’ll want to opt for thick, bone-in varieties. “Request from your butcher a chop that’s 1½ inch thick and inform how you plan to cook them such as on the grill,” Rosangela Teodoro, founder and butcher at Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmande, says. This keeps the meat from drying out on the grill and produces a hearty main for your guests.

Best seasonings for pork chops

To flavor up pork chops, Teodoro prefers keeping it simple with salt, pepper and any herbs or spices. “My favorite herb for pork is sage. It’s fragrant and adds some unique flavors to pork meat,” she says. “You can also substitute rosemary and parsley, minced well.” Another option is to use lemon zest for a bright flavor. Your favorite ingredients will go a long way to helping develop a nice seasoned crust on the chops! (Try a DIY seasoning blend like this Tuscan heat spice or Texas Roadhouse steak seasoning.)

Easy trick to avoid dry pork chops

One of the most common mistakes when grilling pork chops is allowing the meat to cook on the grill for too long. “The key with pork chops is not to overcook them because they can become tough and dried out,” Teodoro says. So, she suggests inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat (away from the bone) once it’s browned on both sides. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Afterwards, they can rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

How to grill pork chops

Teodoro shares her easy Grilled Pork Chops recipe that’s perfect for 4th of July or any occasion. She creates a flavorful rub of olive oil and seasonings to infuse the meat with plenty of savory goodness. Yum! (For similar recipes, try Grilled Pork ’n’ Peaches, Nectarine Pork Chops or Grilled Pork Chops with Corn Salsa.)

Grilled Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz. each)
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 Tbs. minced garlic
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme, minced
• 1 Tbs. fresh sage or rosemary, minced
• 1 Tbs. paprika
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and black pepper

Directions:

• Yield: 4 servings

1. Preheat grill to medium high.
2. Combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, lemon juice and zest together. Season pork chops with salt and black pepper. Rub olive oil mix on pork chops and let sit 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, move chops to grill and sear pork chops about 2 minutes per side. Then, reduce grill heat to medium. Grill pork chops additional 4 to 5 minutes per side to reach internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Once cooked, transfer pork chops from grill to plate. Cover and rest at least 3 minutes. Serve.

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