Fred Thompsons Top 3 Rules For Grilling Pork Chops
| Rule #1: Go thick, not thin. Dont try to grill thin pork chops. Bread them and fry them, and theyll taste great. But if you put them on the grill, theyll cook too fast and end up tough and flavorless. Buy chops that are at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick. He prefers bone-in chops, like a gracefully-curved rib chop or a husky, center-cut T-bone, which cook more evenly and have more flavor than boneless chops. |
| Rule #2: Brine, brine, brine. Brining pork chops, even for a short time, provides a little wiggle room on doneness. If you are forgetful and cook the chops for a minute or two too long, the brine will help keep the meat moist. And remember to pat the chops dry with paper towels so they sear, rather than steam, on the grill. |
| Rule #3: Watch the heat. Pork doesnt like high heat. Put a chop over a hot fire and youll end up with a tough piece of meat, even if youve brined it. Setting up your grill for indirect grilling is a good way to go. You can put a quick sear on both sides of the chop and then move it to the indirect-heat area for slower cooking. |
Try one of his recipesbrined pork chops with grilled summer stone fruitthat makes the most of all of the above guidelines.
Grilling Tips For Your Juicy Pork Chops
Finally, for all the grill masters or aspiring beginners, here are some extra tips you can use to achieve your perfect grilled pork chops:
Unlike popular belief, it is not a must to turn the pork chops while they cook. Instead, observe the cooking time and internal temperature as per the above recommendations. If you must, set your chops on the areas that are cooler, away from direct flames. This way, you will avoid burning the meat.
Are you finding it hard to determine the internal temperature of your chops when using a charcoal grill? Use this quick guide:
Opt for thicker cuts. They retain more juices, cook slowly, ensuring the cuts absorb all the rich smoky flavors.
Are you struggling to get your chops moist and juicy even at the ideal temperature and cooking time? Try bringing them for 2 to 4 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate the chops in the brine overnight. This process will loosen the muscle tissue in the chops, allowing for the flavor and moisture to absorb in well.
Did you know that piercing the chops with sharp utensils when turning it also makes the juices to leak out? Then, opt for a pair of tongs or spatulas instead.
Never grill your chops on direct flames. Such heat is difficult to control.
Perfect Grilled Pork Chops
Perfect Grilled Pork Chops are actually really easy to make. Choose the right cut, add some seasoning, and grill the best pork chop youve ever had in your life!
Perfect Grilled Pork Chops are actually really easy to make. Choose the right cut, add some seasoning, and grill the best pork chop youve ever had in your life!
These pork chops are magical! They rival any beef steak. Every time I make them people rave that they are the best pork chops theyve ever had in their life. Follow my instructions and you will be the star of every backyard barbecue! People cant get enough of my perfect pork chops.
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What Kind Of Pork Chops Should I Buy For Grilling
Bone in pork chops are the best for grilling. You want to purchase a pork chop that is at least 1-inch thick to use on the grill. If you dont see any out for purchase, you should ask at the meat counter and they can cut them for you. Ask for a 1 1/2 to 2 inch bone-in center cut rib chop or loin chop. Either of these will be a great option for the grill.
If you like this recipe you may be interested in these other pork chop recipes:
Easy Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients:
Prep time: 40 min Cook time: 5 min Serves: 2 people
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients. Place the pork chops in a sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat the chops. You can allow the pork to sit out for at least 30 minutes. Or, you can make this in the morning and place the bag in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
2. Preheat your George Foreman Grill for at least 5 minutes on high. Coat both plates of the grill with vegetable oil. Grill the pork chops with the top closed for 4 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. You are looking for a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for medium and up to 160°F for well done. Continue to grill if necessary.
3. Remove the pork to a cutting board or plate and rest it for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides. Suggestions follow the recipes.
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How Do You Cook Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out
How To Cook Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out
8 . 2019 .
How To Grill Thick
Has this summer been as grill-heavy for you as it has been for us? I personally have taken every chance I could to cook on the delicious grill rather than heating my kitchen to unlivable temperatures. But in all of the hubbub surrounding National Grilling Month, surely you have not forgotten the humble pork chop, have you?
I say humble, but there is nothing small or meek about big, juicy pork chops. Pork chops take well to all kinds of seasonings and flavor combinations and are far cheaper than even cheaper steak cuts. To demonstrate their versatility, today were going to discuss how to cook massively-thick double-cut pork chops on the grill.
Contents:
Read Also: How To Grill Bone In Pork Chops
Why We Love This Recipe
If youve ever made grilled pork chops and had them turn out dry and tough, youre not alone. However, deliciously tender, juicy chops are a cinch to make provided you have the right cut of pork and an hour to bathe them in a simple brine before cooking. We also like to coat them with our own sweet-and-smoky barbecue rub. It adds flavor and the sugar in it caramelizes on the outside of the chops like a glaze.
How Long Do You Cook Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops that are 1 1/2 inch thick, grilled over high heat, will take approximately 15 minutes per side for a total of 30 minutes of grilling time. Reverse-seared pork chops, cooked over lower heat and then finished over a hot grill, will take closer to 1 hour.
Regardless of the cooking method, you want to cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3 minute rest this is considered medium, and is the recommended safe temperature for pork chops. Some cooks are comfortable cooking their pork chops to lower temperatures, like 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which can give you more tender meat.
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Everything You Need To Know About Grilling Pork Chops
- 1 half freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
Pro Tips:
How To Grill Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out
You dont need much to make juicy pork chops, just good quality chops, canola oil, and your pork chop seasoning of choice .
Sprinkle the pork chop seasoning on lightly oiled pork chops, making sure to coat both sides well. Allow the rub to rest into the chops as the grill pre-heats so the flavor seeps into the pork chops before searing on the grill and sealing in flavor.
Then, its just a matter of throwing the pork chops on the grill and letting them cook through. You want to turn the chops just once while theyre on the grill.
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How To Make Grilled Pork Chops:
You only need a few pantry staples and about 5 minutes to prepare these pork chops for the grill. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- Seasoning blend: garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, dried minced onion and dried basil
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning
We’re using our favorite all-purpose or “house seasoning” on these chops, which is a simple blend of equal parts garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley, dried minced onion, and dried basil. We use this seasoning on everything from pork to salmon, chicken to pasta, salads and roasted veggies. It’s truly an all-purpose mixture that makes almost anything taste better, so feel free to mix it up in bulk and keep it in your pantry for any variety of other uses!
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork dry, rub with olive oil, and then sprinkle with seasoning. I typically use about 1 teaspoon of olive oil per chop and about ¼ teaspoon of seasoning on each side. You can obviously adjust these amounts to suit your personal taste, though.
Step 3: Grill the Pork Chops
Heat the coals, gas grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking, and then grill the chops for about 5-6 minutes per side. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Three Steps To Juicy Pork Chops From The Grill
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The Difference Between Barbecue And Grilling
This beautifully designed all rounder knife is perfect for slicing through a juicy pork chop. Considered one of the most versatile blades in any chefs arsenal, the utility knife excels at a wide variety of culinary work from slicing, trimming and sectioning and to other more fine and precise challenges such as coring and peeling.
Pros
- Ice-tempered blade ensures excellent resilience and superior edge retention
- Ruthlessly sharp scalpel like edge is hand finished to a mirror polish within a staggering 13-15°
- Tapered blade design for durability and flexibility
- Polished spine to facilitate a comfortable pinch grip
- Beautiful hand polished satin finish blade, further refined with detailed engravings
- Cleans easily for low maintenance
Cons
The perfect size for perfect control. This short length chef knife is an indispensable and highly maneuverable piece of cutlery, lighter and nimbler than its larger brothers, the blade is designed to work alongside you day in and day out.
Pros
- The hammered tsuchime finish on the steel doesn’t do it for everyone
- This is a premium product and therefor may be out of some shopper’s budgets
Easy Boneless Pork Chop Recipes
This recipe is really popular on the blog. I believe it is because it is great for busy families who want to put a tasty home cooked meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
This recipe is perfect for that. Its fairly budget friendly too. Your favorite store bought barbecue sauce works well for this recipe or you can make your own sauce.
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Just A Great Pork Chop Marinade
You know when something hits the pan and it smells so great than even if its the first time youve made that recipe, you know its going to be a winner? This is one of those.
Plus, the added bonus is that there is a very good chance that all the ingredients are already in your pantry. Checklist:
-
soy sauce
-
Worcestershire Sauce .
What Temperature Do You Cook Pork Chops On A Gas Grill
Pork chops cook relatively quickly on the grill. Depending on how thick the cut, the pork chop grill time will be anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Whether grilling with gas or over charcoal, make sure your grill grates are hot. The pork chop grill temp should be between 350° to 450°F.
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Is This A Healthy Grilled Pork Chop Recipe
Yes! Pork chops are lean meat and a healthy main dish option. They are low in saturated fat and calories and high in protein. While you’ll often find sugar added to pork chop recipes, I think it’s totally unnecessary to take a healthy cut of meat and add unhealthy sugar. The paprika and onion powder in the marinade add the perfect gentle sweetness to this recipe so there is no need for sugar.
This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, sugar-free, and Whole30. But most importantly, it’s delicious!
How To Tell If Pork Chops Are Done
Investing in a digital instant-read meat thermometer is key to perfectly cooked, juicy grilled pork chops. Youll avoid the guesswork and know exactly when to take your pork chops off the grill before they get dry and overcooked. When you think your pork chops are almost done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone, and the temperature should register within a few seconds. As soon as the temperature reads 145 degrees, take them off the grill.
If you dont have a meat thermometer yet, not to worry. There are other ways to gauge the readiness of your pork chops. The best way is to gently poke the meat with your finger or a fork to determine its firmness. If the meat is soft and spongy, it will still be raw in the middle. If the meat is firm and leathery, it is well done.
The perfect chop will be firm, but not hard. Once you remove the pork chops from the grill and they have rested for 5 minutes, you can cut into the thickest part of the meat and check the color. Perfectly done pork that has reached 145 degrees can still be a little pink, but any juices you see should be clear. If you think your meat is still undercooked, throw them back on the grill for 1-2 minutes and check again.
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Want More Ninja Foodi Grill Recipes
- | Skip the steakhouse prices and make a juicy and flavorful steak at home. This recipe is dynamite!
- Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Thighs | Sweet and savory collide in this chicken thigh recipe. Chicken thighs are so juicy and fender and the glaze just throws them over the top in flavor!
- Grilled Chicken Breasts | These breasts are extra juicy, marinated precisely and so incredibly.