Easy Grilled Pork Chops
It only takes a few minutes of grilling over high heat on each side of thin pork chops for them to get maximum flavor and for them to be perfectly cooked.
What are thin pork chops? They’re typically about 1/4-inch thick, boneless or bone-in. Pork labeled as cutlets are also known as thin pork chops – look for ones cut from the tenderloin which will be the least tough.
1. Marinate the Pork Chops
Season pork chops and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Prepare a Grill for Medium Heat
Preheat a clean gas or charcoal grill for medium heat. You can also use a grill pan on the stove. If youre using a grill pan, cook the pork chops in batches, as there needs to be at least one inch between each chop so that the chops dont steam.
3. Drain and Season the Pork Chops
Drain the pork chops and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the Pork Chops on One Side for 4 Minutes
Brush the grill with oil. Place chops on grill grate and let them cook until they easily release without sticking, about 4 minutes.
5. Flip and Cook On the Second Side for 3 minutes
Its difficult to use a thermometer to take an internal temperature on a thin pork chop so you just need to trust the timing. If you do take a temperature, you want it to be 145 degrees F.
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.
How Long To Grill Pork Chops On A Gas Grill
On the grill, pork chops cook in a short amount of time. The grilling time for pork chops will vary depending on the thickness of the slice. Please ensure your griddle slats are warm, whether youre cooking with gasoline or coal.
Cook the pork chops for 5-6 minutes on a gas grill with the lid closed. Cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, flipping, closing the cover , and heating to a core warmth of 145-degree Fahrenheit.
- When its Done:145°F for medium
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Glaze or marinade
- Cook time: 30 minutes
If youve ever wondered how to season, prep, brine and grill a perfectly tender pork chop, youve come to the right place. Master these seven simple steps and youll be able to fire up the best chops on the block, with Kingsford® Charcoal.
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How Long It May Take You To Grill Pork Chops At 400 Degrees F
When you are going to cook boneless center-cut pork chops, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and then bake them for 25 minutes. However, for bone-in pork chops that might be 1-inch thick, preheat the oven up to 475 degrees F. Roast them by flipping the chops once, unless they are just cooked completely, almost 25 minutes.
How To Cook The Pork Chops
I almost always grill these pork chops. They turn out perfect every time .
You can try throwing them in an air fryer, pan fry them, or cook in the oven on broil.
The key is to cook them just until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees F at the thickest part. Remove them from the heat, tent with foil, and let them rest 10 minutes before serving.
These pork chops are so delicious they force me to grill rain, snow or shine. We enjoy them year round!
And they are the perfect dish to serve to company. Talk about a simple show stopper!
With hundreds of five-star reviews, their popularity is deserved!
Here are a few rave reviews from people other than myself:
Michelle: Amazing! Best pork Ive made in really long time and will be my go to! Thank you so much!
Barbara: Best pork chops. I have used this recipe many times and it is the only way I will make them. Previously my husband refused to have pork chops now he asks for them
Dawn Jean: I made this tonight on some pork tenderloin, I promised my husband that if it was dry that I would never make pork on the grill againIll be making this again, it was delicious!
Erika: Spot on. Would not change one thing. Still tender with so much great flavor knowing my hubby eats everything well done. Will be making this every week but taking mine off sooner. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
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What Cut Of Pork Chops Are Best For Grilling
When buying pork chops, there are a lot of options since chops can be cut from different areas of the loin. The section at the front of the loin near the shoulder, called the blade end, is the fattiest cut. Rib chops are leaner and have a large, smooth section of meat. Bone-in center-cut chops have both the loin and tenderloin, and the sirloin is from the back end and has lots of muscles.
For grilling, I like rib or center-cut chops since theyre tender and dont have too many chewy muscles. While I personally like bone-in since I like nibbling on the meat attached to the bones, boneless will work too. I always buy pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick, as thinner pork chops tend to cook too quickly before they have a chance to develop a nice crust on the outside.
How To Bbq Pork Chops
Barbecuing pork chops can be done in a variety of ways. Some argue that cooking fast and quick seems to be the only method to go, while others advocate cooking the entire time ambiguously. To get highly juicy pork with a beautifully caramelized and crispy outside, I like to combine the two. Following is the instruction to bbq the pork chops:
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How To Cook Smoked Pork Chops
40 Best Pork Chop Recipes. John And Lisa S Christmas Glazed Ham With Baked Camembert This. How to make smoky grilled pork chops chop recipes glazed pineapple chops my food and family how to cook smoky pan grilled pork chops myrecipes pork chops with roasted vegetables.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then brush with the cooking fat. Season the pork chops liberally on both sides with the spice blends, then cook on the hot grill for 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear.
Sprinkle the wood chips over the CobbleStone and then place Grill Grid, Fenced Roast Rack, and Dome Lid on COBB Grill and let heat up for at least 5 minutes. Place the pork chops on the Fenced Roast Rack and close the Dome Lid. Let t hese hot smoke for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork chops.
In a smoker arrange preheated coals, drained wood chunks and water pan according to the manufacturers directions. Pour water into pan. Place chops on the grill rack over water pan. Cover smoke for 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until the juices run clear . Add additional coals and water as needed to maintain temperature and moisture.
Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F . Add wood chips according to manufacturers directions. Combine salt, brown sugar, pepper, paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano in a small bowl.
Can You Cook Two Inch Pork Chops In A Skillet
It may prove more challenging to cook a thick pork chop in a skillet, because the meat needs to cook through to the center without burning on the outside. The thicker the meat is, the harder this is to achieve. It might take a bit of experimentation to get your pork chops perfect, but it is possible to achieve great pork chops just by frying them.
Its a good idea to use bone-in pork chops for this, because the bone will help to keep the meat tender and prevent the juices from leaking out.
You should add oil or butter to your skillet and wait until it is foaming and hot. You only want it on a medium high heat, because the chops need to stay in the pan for quite a while.
Season one side of the pork chops and then place them seasoned-side down in the pan. While you are waiting for the chops to sear, season the other side of the meat. After five minutes of cooking, flip the chops over, and cook the fresh side for ten minutes.
Once the chops have had their ten minutes, flip them over again and allow them another five minutes on the first side. Both sides should have ten minutes in total.
Stand the chops on a plate for a few minutes under foil before you serve them.
Keeping the heat on medium throughout the cooking process will be key to preventing the pork chops from burning while still ensuring that they are cooked.
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How Long To Grill 2 Inch Thick Pork Chops
How Long To Grill 2 Inch Thick Pork Chops? Like the greatest steaks, Pork chops are deserving of your grilling care. Try this recipe for National Grilling Month and see how great pork can be if you stick to the crucial temperatures and utilize it and Smoke to keep your chops safe and delectable.
Because of its thickness, a 2-inch pork chop may appear intimidating, but grilling it is straightforward, and the increased thickness stops the chop from drying out. If you like, marinate it first, or simply season it with salt, pepper, garlic, or a pork chop rub.
You do not have to cook the meat until its fully done since modern feeding procedures have practically removed the risk of trichinosis, a bacterium traditionally prevalent in swine meat. If you remove it from the grill while still somewhat pink, it will taste better. Use a meat thermometer if youre unsure. When the thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is done.
How Long Do I Grill Pork Chops On A Gas Grill
Prepare a grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat with a small coating of oil on the grate to prevent sticking. Cook the pork chops for 5-6 minutes on a gas grill with the lid closed . Cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 145°F on a gas grill, before flipping it over. Allow for a 5-minute resting period before serving.
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What Is The Best Cut Of Meat For Grilled Pork Chops
There are four different cuts of pork chops. The most preferable is the center cut rib chop.
Tips For Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops:
- Poke the chops thoroughly with a fork before marinating
- The longer you can marinate the pork chops before grilling, the more flavorful the chops will be
- Use an instant read digital thermometer like this one to accurately grill the pork
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What Temperature Pork Should Be Cooked To Eat Safely
For years, cooks have been told to cook pork until well done, resulting in a dried out piece of meat nobody wants to eat. No more!
According to recent changes in the USDA guidelines, it is safe to eat pork cooked medium rare. Cook the pork chops to an internal temperature of 140°F and still barely pink inside, then rest for about 5 minutes for the residual heat will continue to cook and raise the internal temperature.
For thin cut, bone-in pork chops about 1/4 inch thick, cook over direct medium-high to high heat for a total of 3-5 minutes, with the lid closed, turning once.
For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, cook for 8-12 minutes over direct heat turning every 3-4 minutes or until well grill marked with the lid closed. Add another 5 minutes resting time for the juices to set in the meat.
If cooked properly, the pork chops will release a bit of juice as they rest, a sign theyre still nice and juicy on the inside.
Should I Brine Pork Chops
Yes, you should brine! I cant recommend brining enough. Its really easy to do, and it really helps any kind of lean meat, from pork chops to chicken breasts to turkey, stay juicy and flavorful. Especially if youre cooking over a high, dry heat like you have with a grill.
If you prefer a marinade to add more flavor, try out this pork chop marinade recipe. Its got brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, and all sorts of delicious things.
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Tips For Grilling Thick Pork Chops According To A Chef
Grilling thick cuts of meat may seem daunting â take 2-inch thick pork chops, for example. You want to make sure they’re fully cooked in the middle without burning the exterior.
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Pork chops are full of nutritional value, and they make a tasty addition to your plate. Luckily, grilling thick pork chops isn’t super complicated and doesn’t take long. Just follow the expert-backed instructions and tips below.
How Do You Keep Pork Chops Moist After Grilling
The key here is to not over-cook your pork chops. While the internal temperature of pork needs to be 145 degrees F. to be considered safe to eat, you should take them off the grill when they hit approximately 140/142 degrees F. Then, as they rest, the internal temperature will continue to rise that last 5 degrees or so. Also, if you cant eat immediately, you can always brush them with a little avocado oil and then cover with foil then will stay plenty juicy!
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What Is Medium Heat On A Grill
The mean temperature of the medium range for grilling is around 350 degrees, although it can be raised a few degrees if necessary. This heat setting is mostly used for certain types of meat and other products that require a longer cooking time to be completely prepared.Read further: What Is Medium Heat On A Grill?
Understanding The Right Pork Chop Temperature
There is a need to ensure you dont overcook your pork chops. You have to consider two things temperature monitoring and target temperature. A few years ago, the United States Department of Agriculture altered the recommended safe pork doneness temperature from 71°C to 63°C .
This temperature difference means you can cook your pork safely to delicious doneness rather than getting dehydrated. To achieve the target temperature, you need to have the best food thermometer to ensure it reaches 60°C . Nevertheless, this would depend on the chops size and cooking method.
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