What Is The Best Wood For Smoking Pork Chops
Wood pellets are the best choice. They burn far hotter and way slower than standard wood chips, which gives master grillers a lot more control over the temperature of their pork chops. Hardwood pellets also provide you with more smoke consistency without the build-up and they come in a wide range of blends that are ideal for pork chops.
The blend you go for really depends on what youre looking for in a grilled pork chop. Apple pellets are always a dependable choice if youre on the hunt for that light, slightly fruity flavor a lot of your guests naturally associate with grilled pork chops.
If you want to play around a bit, our all-natural pecan hardwood pellets give pork chops a trace of nuttiness, while our signature blend of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwood adds a full-bodied kick of flavor.
What To Serve With Pork Chops
There are many sides that go perfectly with pork chops. When we grill, we like to make sides that can be make on the grill so it is easy cleanup. While your pork is cooking, you can prepare these amazing sides.
- How to Grill Bake PotatoesThe bake potatoes come out perfectly with the crispy skin and soft and hot on the inside.
- Grilled Carrots in FoilThis is our favorite way of making carrots.
- Macaroni and CheeseThis is a perfect oven recipe that come out so cheesy and delicious.
Can Pork Chops Be Pink
That hue does not signal anything sinister at 145°F, your pork is cooked to a medium rare internal temperature. You wouldnt be surprised if you saw some pink in a medium rare steak, so dont be surprised if you saw some pink in your pork chops! Cook it until it reaches a temperature of 155°F if the pink tint makes you feel uneasy.
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How Should I Season My Pork Chops
After the pork chops are brined, theres no need to rinse them off with water simply dry them very well with paper towels. You can sprinkle on some black pepper at this point, or go with your favorite spice or spice rub. Just use a spice rub that doesnt contain salt, as youve already seasoned the chops.
Best Grilled Pork Chops
I love grilling pork chops. Theyre a simple, yet satisfying dinner that everyone can enjoy. This recipe coats the pork chop in my Signature Sweet Rub. Its a brown sugar-based dry rub that adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chop. You can make this from scratch, or to save some time, we sell Sweet Rub from the Hey Grill Hey Store.
These chops also taste amazing with my Best Pork Chops Seasoning. You can even season half with one rub and half with the other to see which one you prefer best.
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How Long Does It Take Pork Chops To Cook At 350
They required about 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Bone-In pork chops require about 10% MORE cooking time, so make sure you factor that into your planning if you bought pork chops with bones. Thinner pork chops will take approximately 25-35 minutes, while VERY thin *under 1/4 inch* will be even less.
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The First Step: Brining
A brine is a salt water solution that penetrates meat it adds extra liquid resulting in juicier meat. Brining make the difference between a dry and flavorless chop and a juicy, tasty pork chop
What you need for the brine:
The general rule for brine is 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar per 1 cup of water. The sugar offsets the salt, preventing the pork from tasting too salty.
Combine the brine ingredients in a large container and stir until mixed. Add pork chops and cover. Refrigerate for two hours. Feel free to add any herbs or spices to the brine this will lightly enhance the brine but wont overpower the natural flavor of the protein. After two hours, remove the pork chops from the brine and rinse thoroughly to remove any extra salt from the surface. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
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Recipes To Try With Thick Grilled Pork Chops
There are so many different ways you can prepare and flavor your grilled thick pork chops. While you can always simply rub the meat with salt and pepper before throwing it on the grill, marinating the pork with Goya Mojo Marinade or any other marinate recipe you like can give it a tangy, zesty kick.
Alongside your thick grilled pork chops, serve any of these yummy recipes:
Brined Pork Chops With Grilled Stone Fruit
For the brine:
- 1 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
- 6 bone-in pork chops, each at least 1 inch thick
- 6 ripe but slightly firm plums, peaches or nectarines, halved and pitted
- Canola oil for brushing
To make the brine, in a large bowl, combine the water, vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, juniper berries, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
Place the pork chops in a large sealable plastic bag and pour in the brine. Seal the bag closed, squish the brine around the chops and refrigerate overnight.
At least 30 minutes before you plan to begin grilling, remove the chops from the refrigerator. Discard the brine, rinse the chops briefly in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for indirect grilling over medium heat the temperature inside the grill should be 350° to 375°F. If using charcoal, bank the lit coals on either side of the grill bed, leaving a strip in the center without heat, and place a drip pan in the center. If using gas, preheat the burners, then turn off 1 or more of the burners to create a cooler zone. Brush and oil the grill grate.
Grilling authority Fred Thompson is the author of the book Williams-Sonoma Grill Master, which includes more than 100 recipes. To buy the iBook version, which includes exclusive videos, search Williams-Sonoma in iBooks on your mobile device.
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How Do I Keep The Pork From Sticking To The Grill
Pork chops will let you know when they are ready to be flipped by releasing themselves from the grates of the grill. They do this as the char lines form. So just be patient and let the pork tell you when its ready. If its still sticking that means you just need to give it another minute or two. Its also important to always oil the grates of your grill before cooking and start with a clean grill.
What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops
Pork chops should be grilled until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
A thermometer is a helpful tool when grilling any meat, but it is especially helpful when grilling pork chops due to their tendency to dry out. A thermometer keeps you from overcooking your pork chops and insures they retain all of their juices.
Pulling the meat at the right moment takes the guesswork out of grilling and means you can count on a perfect juicy pork chop to hit your plate every time you grill.
Here are some meat thermometers we trust:
When you think the pork chops are ready to come off the grill, check the temperature first. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. If its bone-in meat, you want to do this without touching the bone. The temperature should quickly appear on the screen of the digital thermometer. Once the temperature reaches 145 degrees, take the pork chops off the grill.
If you dont have a thermometer, you can still tell if the pork chops are ready. One way to do it is to poke the pork chop with your finger or use a utensil to determine how firm it is. If its soft and raw, its not ready to come off the grill. If the meat is firm to the touch, remove one pork chop from the grill and cut into the thickest part of the meat.
It should be firm and white, not pink or raw in any way. If the pork chop is cooked throughout the chop it is safe to eat. Again, a digital thermometer makes this much easier.
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Why Are My Pork Chops Always Tough
Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When theyre cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether its in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, theyre quick to dry out, and you guessed it become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.
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What Is The Best Cut Of Meat For Grilling Pork Chops
There are five different cuts of pork chops.
- Rib Chops: This is a tender cut from the rib section, mild tasting with some fat and with a bone running along one side. Other names are center-cut rib chops, rib pork chop, pork chop end cut.
- Loin Chop: Very lean, mild flavor with a t-bone in the middle. Each chop has two different types of meat which cook at different rates. For this reason, these pork chops are a bit difficult to cook. Other names are center-cut loin chops, pork loin end chop, top loin chop, porterhouse.
- Shoulder Chop: These are flavorful with a fair amount of fat, gristle and bone. They are best for braising. Other names are blade chops, blade steaks, blade-end pork loin chops, pork shoulder steaks, pork loin blade chops.
- Boneless Chop:These are very lean and boneless pork chops. This is a very popular cut. Due to the lack of fat and bone these chops are easy to overcook. Its best to marinate them or brine them. Its also wise to buy thick boneless chops as thinner ones are even easier to overcook and dry up. Other names are Americas cut, pork loin filets.
- Sirloin Chop: Lots of pork flavor, lots of bone and tough. These chops require long cooking times. Not a great pork chop for grilling.
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Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops have long been known as a working mans meal. Theyre economical, lean and healthy, and quick to cook. They also have a history of coming to the dinner table dry and withery as shoe leather.
But no more! Today is the day to banish that belief because tough, dried out pork chops are about to be expelled from your vocabulary.
My husband has made these simple grilled pork chops so many times hes figured out the secrets. Whether bone-in or boneless, these pork chops turn out tender, juicy, a little bit smokey, and far from any mode of foot fashion.
Even better, these grilled pork chops dont need a marinade or a brine, so they go from package to grill to dinner in 30 minutes.
Heres how to make perfectly juicy grilled pork chops every time.
What Are Other Ways I Can Make Bone
There are multiple ways that you can cook bone-in pork chops. Growing up my mom always fried them and I have always fried them. Now I like to put them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven.
We think the bone-in pork chops always come out so tender and juicy and full of flavor. You can add different marinades to change the flavor.
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How Long To Grill Bone In Pork Chops
Bone in pork chops take about 20 minutes total to grill. They grill on direct heat for 2 minutes per side.
Then you turn the grill heat down they grill on indirect heat. This takes another 10 to 15 minutes once the meat is moved to the other side of the grill.
Keep a close watch on pork chops so they dont cook too long and become dry. If you cook pork chops on the grill too long, they will get tough and dry. We dont want this to happen.
How Long Does It Take For Thick Pork Chops To Bake At 350
Thick pork chops take approximately 25 minutes to bake at 350 degrees. However, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees before removing them from the oven.
Pork chop is one of the most delectable parts of a pig. The pigs loin is made up of three parts: the hip, the shoulder, and the loin. Grilling, roasting, and seared pork chops, for example, can be performed as well. Pork chops come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Pork chops are low in fat and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a good source of nutrition. When consumed in excess, pork chops have a negative impact on the bodys health. The warm temperature of 350F can preserve a tender, juicy texture and the vibrant color of your pork chops.
The standard thickness for pork chops is one inch if they are thinner, you can shorten the time by 5-10 minutes if they are thinner. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F if you are going to bake bread. Brown the exterior of the ribs on a hot day, and its delicious when its still moist. Because the bones are present in the pork chops, they take longer to cook. When you spend a long time searing your pork chop, you are less likely to bake it. The pork chops should be seared on each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until they have turned brown. During baking, check the internal temperature of pork chops to ensure they are cooked to the correct temperature.
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Using A Dry Brine For Juicy Grilled Pork Chops:
Because pork chops are fairly lean, brining is helpful for tenderizing and evenly seasoning the meat. To make things easy, I use a dry brine rather than a liquid brine .
My dry brine is simply salt and pepper, rubbed evenly into both sides of the pork chops! Once seasoned, the pork chops go into the refrigerator, uncovered, for 2 to 24 hours. This is where the brining magic happens.
The salt draws out the meat juices through osmosis, of which then dissolves the salt, basically turning into a natural brine even though there isnt any liquid added. This brine is reabsorbed into the meat, breaking down tough muscle proteins to help achieve pork chop perfection.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To keep your pork chops fresh for up to a week, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When youre ready to reheat them, cover them in foil and pop them back on the grill until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave just be sure to watch them closely so they dont overcook!
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Tips For Making Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops are pretty straightforward to cook on the grill, but I have a few tips for you that will help ensure your chops come off the grill perfectly cooked and totally juicy.
- Utilize two-zone grilling. Use two-zone heat on your grill to achieve juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops with that slightly charred grilled flavor.
- Make sure that the pepper is freshly cracked. When mixing up your grilled pork chop rub, try using freshly cracked black pepper for a brighter flavor.
- Dont poke the meat! Dont stab your pork chop with a fork or cut into them while they are still cooking. Youll lose a lot of the juices out of the meat.
What Pork Chop Cuts Are Best For Grilling
For grilling, we want to choose the thickest cuts available at your grocery store. The best way is to choose an option that is at least 1-inch thick as they are less likely to dry out. Thicker chops have the ability to sear nicely on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Sometimes this thick of a cut isnt available and we have some tips below for thinner cuts with helpful options, such as brining them in a brown sugar and salt solution.
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Should I Grill My Pork Chops With The Bone In
You can choose to cook your pork chops with the bone or without provided you give the chops ample time to cook to the right internal temperature, it wont make a huge difference to the finished result. Grilling with the bone can help the meat retain moisture and flavor, so cooking with the bone in is a good idea if youre going to grill your pork chops for a longer period.
How To Grill Pork Chops
Now that you know the ins and outs of this recipe, heres how to cook pork chops on the grill.
Feeling ready to serve up this delicious food for dinner? I can guarantee your family and guests will be mighty impressed.
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