Simply seasoned and perfectly cooked, these grilled pork chops will become a regular on your menu!
Grilling Pork Chops
Pork chops usually elicit polarizing perspectives! Some people steer clear from it because they’ve been burned by bland, dry pork in the past and truly don’t know how delicious pork *can* be …while others know just how delicious (and easy) a properly grilled pork chop can be.
The truth is, it’s totally possible to buy high-quality pork AND cook that pork to juicy, delicious perfection. This pork chop recipe is proof of that (as are this teriyaki pork tenderloin, this herbed goat cheese stuffed pork loin, and this honey mustard pork loin roast).
Ingredients for Bone-In Pork Chops on the Grill
When it comes to perfectly grilled pork chops, you really just need 3 simple ingredients (including the chops themselves!). Here’s what you’ll need to add to your grocery list:
- Pork Chops – to start, you’ll need 2 bone-in pork chops that are about 1 inch thick each. We prefer bone-in pork chops because the bone adds flavor and moisture to the finished pork chop.
- Olive Oil – to keep the chops from sticking, you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Sea Salt – we’re keeping the seasoning really simple here. All you’ll need is 1 teaspoon of coarse or flaky sea salt.
When should you season pork chops?
If you’re following this recipe as written, you’ll coat your pork chops in olive oil and then season them with sea salt. The olive oil helps the salt to stick to the chops!
What spices pair well with pork?
There are so many really delicious spices and seasonings to pair with your pork, but for this recipe, we’re keeping things really simple with good ole sea salt. Spice blends that include spices like cumin, chili powder, sage, or even cinnamon are all worth giving a try. If you’re looking to really up the flavor of your pork chops (and you’ve got the time), you may even consider wet brining them ahead of time!
Should pork chops sit out before cooking?
I typically let my meat come to room temperature before grilling it — this usually means sitting it out about 20-30 minutes before throwing it on the grill. This helps the meat to cook more evenly.
How to Grill Pork Chops
- Preheat the grill – preheat the grill to medium-high heat — about 450°F.
- Oil and season the chops – rub the pork chops with extra-virgin olive oil, then season on both sides with the salt.
- Grill – place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop reads 145°F.
- Let the chops rest, then serve – remove the pork chops from the grill, then let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops
Grilling pork chops shouldn’t take longer than about 16 minutes total. The best way to know if your pork is ready to come off the grill, though, is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. You’ll want to take the pork chops off of the grill once the thermometer reads 145°F.
How do you grill pork chops without drying them out?
The key here is to not overcook your pork chops! I know it can be intimidating (especially because there is a lot of talk surrounding the cleanliness of pork), but trust me, your pork chops will be so much better if you use a meat thermometer and pull the chops off once the internal temperature reads 145°F.
How do you make pork chops tender?
There are a few different ways to ensure the most tender pork chops possible:
- Buy high-quality pork – when buying pork, look for either “heritage breed” or “all natural” labels. These options are the highest quality (the equivalent of grass-fed, grass-finished beef) possible, and because of that, tend to be more flavorful and tender than lower quality pork options.
- Brine your pork – giving your pork chops a nice soak in a salty bath (also known as a brine, LOL) will help them to be super flavorful and tender, so if you have time, we recommend going this route.
- Use a meat thermometer – when it comes to cooking pork, you really want to make sure that you don’t overcook it. Overcooked pork is tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee that you’re pulling your pork off the grill at exactly the right time.
How can you tell if pork chops are done?
I know I sound like a broken record here, but truly, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork chops is the very best way to tell if they’re ready to come off of the grill. You’ll want the internal temperature of the thickest part of your pork chop to read 145°F.
Can pork chops be a little pink?
They can! This is a really common misconception with pork, but pork chops that are slightly pink on the inside are still completely safe to eat (assuming that the internal temperature of the chops read 145°F). Again, it really comes down to the temperature of the pork here too.
Storing and Reheating Grilled Pork Chop Recipes
If you have leftover pork chops, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it comes to reheating your chops, I actually prefer to slice them up, heat them in a skillet with ghee, and enjoy them in a completely different application than just a whole pork chop (think: toss the pork in teriyaki sauce while it’s in the skillet and then serve with rice and broccoli for a teriyaki-style pork bowl). This Crispy Ginger Pork is a great example!
Just for You
Pork Recipes
Want more recipe ideas like this?
Juicy Grilled Bone In Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F.
- Rub the pork chops with extra-virgin olive oil, then season on both sides with salt.
- Place the pork on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop reads 145°F.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill, then rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
