The Taste Of Home Test Kitchen Shares Their Expert Tips For How To Grill Juicy Flavor
When Im dreaming up my dinner menus, pork chops always fall to the bottom of the list. They take the back seat to favorites like flaky baked salmon or juicy grilled chicken. The reason? No matter what I do, I tend to overcook themleaving my meal dull, dry and desperate to be drenched in applesauce.
This is a shame, because I know pork chops can make a delicious dinner thats easy on the wallet. Its time to make a change. Expert food editor James Schend agreed to share his best tips for cooking moist, tender and flavor-packed pork chops.
The Best Texas Bbq Spice Rub
These flavorful chops are seasoned to perfection with one of my favorite barbecue spice mixes. Dont get overwhelm by the number of Ingredients. This Texas BBQ spice rub uses common spices that you probably already have at home.
This meat rub uses brown sugar. Dark brown sugar or piloncillo sugar add the best flavor however, if you are trying to stay away from sugar, you can skip it or you can simply brush the chops with oil and honey or maple syrup and then add the spices, rubbing them into the meat with your fingers.
The ingredients for this amazing BBQ Spice rub are brown sugar, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, salt, paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin and ground black pepper.
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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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:
How Long To Grill Pork Steaks
Pork is a delicious meat that works great for all different of cooking methods. Stewed, braised, fried, or grilled pork, it all turns out delicious in the end. You can’t get more American with your cooking. Today, we’ll be talking about the latter option, specifically how much time you should dedicate to cookpork steakfor optimum tastiness.
There’s a lot of myths and misconceptions relating to the proper cooking time for pork in all its forms, with some people going so far as to burn the meat to a crisp for fear of any sort of contamination with undercooked meat. Let’s clear up some of this confusion about pork steak cook time and pork steak cook temp, and give you a definitive answer on how long to grill pork steaks before it’s safe to eat, as well as provide a great recipe for grilled pork steaks you can use to try out.
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Grilled Pork Chop Variations
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize it to your tastes.
- Spicy: You can add crushed red pepper flakes to this marinade. I typically add 1/4 teaspoon, but you can add more than that if you like.
- Asian: Try a blend of olive oil, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic for the marinade.
- Mexican: You can marinate the chops in a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder and onion powder. Add a sprinkle of cilantro before serving for maximum flavor.
How To Cook Pork Chops On A Gas Grill Or Charcoal Grill
Pork chops are far more lean than they used to be back in the day, and is the same reason why they can easily be overcooked. To make sure they come out juicy and flavorful theres a few tips to deliver juicy bites every time.
Choose the right pork chop for grilling. While lean chops are good, too leanlike sirloin chopsare not great for grilling. Instead, choose center-cut rib chops and center-cut loin chops with a bit more fat for flavor and tenderness.
Fat or thin, both chops win. Thin pork chops are great for grilling because they cook quick with less time to dry out. Thicker pork chops can be just as tender and just as juicy as thin. Again, it comes down to the cut you choose. For a quick-cooking boneless pork chop, choose pork chops with a thin fat cap that are about 1 inch thick.
Oil your chops, not the grill. Boneless pork chops dont have much fat and can stick to the grill if not oiled. We use canola, grape seed or olive oil.
Simply season grilled pork chops.;Just like any protein, seasoning is the key. Choose your favorite store-bought pork seasoning or make your own, like my dry rub for ribs;thats loaded with flavor.
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Flipping The Pork Chops
After another minute or two, open the lid and check the doneness. The chops should be well browned, with good grill marks on the cooked side. The pork chops should appear gray along the sides of the meat and still raw on the top. At this point, flip them over and repeat the process from the last step, rotating 45 degrees after a minute or two. Once the entire surface is cooked, it’s time to apply the glaze. Glaze them quickly, turning the pork chops as needed so that the glaze can cook on the meat without it burning.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Pork Chops
- BBQ pork chops that are JUICY are easy to fall in love with.
- The wet spice rub is delicious and perfectly compliments the grilled chops.
- This recipe is a summer-friendly version of my crazy popular Juicy Baked Pork Chops. If you like that one then you’ll love this one, too.
- Unlike many pork recipes, this one is 100% sugar-free. That’s right, my friends. This is a healthy pork chop recipe.
- These chops are so tasty that all you need to make them a meal is a simple side salad. Give it up for easy summer dinners!
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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!
Remove The Meat From The Grill
Once the pork chops have cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re ready to be removed. Use tongs to transfer them to the clean plate or cutting board, and cover them with foil to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides, and don’t plan on having any leftoversthese chops will be good to the last bite.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, or if you just can’t find suitable center-cut bone-in rib chops for your gathering, go ahead and substitute boneless chops instead. These will only need to be cooked for 2 minutes per side over the medium-hot coals, and removed to the lower heat to cook, covered, for 5 minutes more. Be careful not to overcook themthese chops will get unappealingly dry and tough if the internal temperature rises over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Ingredients For This Pork Recipe
Excited to try out cooking pork shoulder steaks at medium for the first time? Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to make some unforgettable grilled steaks.
- Cola
- Wood chunks ;or wood chips
- Charcoal grill
- Pork steaks
For best grilling practices, it’s essential to choose a wood that compliments the meat you’ll be cooking. Hickory, apple, apple, pecan, or cherry are good woods for cooking pork, though you should always be sparing with hickory as it can overpower the taste of your meat. Experiment to see what flavors you like best, always remembering to offset a thicker, heavier wood like hickory with a lighter fruit wood.
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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Serving The Pork Steak
Once the pork has rested, it’s time to eat. These perfectly cooked pork steaks are a great main course for any meal, especially when augmented with sides like coleslaw, fresh steamed or grilled vegetables, or buttered rolls. Extra barbecue sauce could be used for dipping, too, if that’s how you prefer your meat. You can surprise your family and friends by cooking your favorite;bbq sauce yourself. And the total time of cooking wasn’t even that long.
How To Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out
My fondest childhood memories are eating over at my grandmothers house. That sweet, southern woman could cook the perfect fried chicken, but give her a pork chop and she would serve up a tough leathery hockey puck. Its the reason weve all shied away from cooking pork chops for so long! Am I right? But fear not. There are tried and true ways to ensure those chops are tender and juicy.;
- Buy bone-in pork chops, ideally the center-cut rib chop, which is the most tender.
- Thick pork chops are key. Anything less that ¾ in thickness will inevitably end up cooking too quickly and drying out.;
- If you do end up with a different cut or a boneless pork chop, soaking them in a salt water brine for a minimum of 30 minutes tenderizes the meat throughout the chop.
- Bringing the meat to room temperature helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork chops reach exactly 145 degrees, and remove them from the grill immediately.;;
- Make sure your pork chops get their moment of rest . The fibers of the meat relax as it is resting, and this gives the pork chops the juicy tenderness we all aspire to.;
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Pork Chop Grill Time Chart:
The total cooking time for your pork chops will depend on the size and thickness of your meat, as well as the temperature of your grill and whether you’re using bone-in or boneless chops. Here’s a handy chart that provides a closer approximation for your reference:
Again, the best way to know when your meat is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Tips For Grilled Pork Chops
- Bring the pork chops to room temp: As with most meats, you want to bring pork chops to room temperature before grilling. Otherwise, the outside may char before the insides can evenly cook. About 30 minutes is needed to bring to room temperature. This is a perfect time to let the seasonings to soak into the meat.
- Pre-season: Generously coat both sides of pork with salt and black pepper, or other preferred seasonings. Ill recommend some of my favorites later in this post.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat the gas grill to medium-high. The grill should be hot before you add the pork chops to prevent sticking and create a nice sear.
- Dont overcook: As with all meats, cook just to the desired doneness.
- Let rest before serving: Let cooked meats sit at room temp 3 to 5 minutes to hold in more juices.
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Boneless Vs Bone In Pork Chops Which Should I Use And Does The Cooking Time Change
These are both center cuts and the cooking time is the same for each. Boneless chops will be less juicy but have more meat per pound. A bone-in rib chop can have more flavor due to the extra fat. There is another benefit of the extra fat:;while grilling the fat will smoke up and infuse smoky flavor into the meat.
Pro tip: I like to grease the grill grates with vegetable or olive oil for most meats to prevent sticking. This is not required for bone-in pork chops since the fat cooks off and helps lubricate the grill.
The Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
The juiciest Grilled Pork Chops are coated in a simple and tasty homemade spice rub and grilled until perfectly tender, golden brown and delicious. This recipe makes the best grilled pork chops youll ever have!
If you love grilling you are going to really enjoy our other grilled and bbq recipes like this Grilled Chicken Breast recipe and my favorite Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Chops
How long do you cook pork chops on the grill?
This depends on the thickness, but a good rule of thumb for a 1 thick pork chop is to sear on high/direct heat for 1-2 minutes, move to medium/indirect heat and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. The best way to ensure you have cooked your pork chops for the right amount of time is to use a meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the meat and remove from grill after it reaches 145 degrees.
What temperature do you cook pork chops on the grill?;
Pork does not like very high heat. That will cause it to cook too quickly and become tough. A medium-high temperature of 375-400 degrees is perfect for grilling pork chops.;
Is it safe to eat pork chops if they are pink inside?;
According to the USDA, pork cooked to 145 degrees is safe to eat. At this temperature, the meat may still look a little pink but is safe to eat.;
Should I keep the lid on when grilling pork chops?
Yes, keeping the lid on gives you more consistent heat.;
Can I use the same recipe for a baked pork chop or a pork tenderloin?
Yes! Our pork chop marinade can also be used for baked pork chops or a pork tenderloin. And if youre short on time or have surprise guests, just keep your favorite bbq sauce stocked in the pantry for barbeque pork chops!
Seasoning The Perfect Pork Chop
Preheat the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal. If you are using gas, light up at least two burners on high and allow the grill to preheat for 10 minutes. If possible, keep one portion of the grill cool so you can move the pork chops if there is a flare-up during cooking.;
The brine has enhanced the pork chops and lightly flavored them. The spice rub will add additional flavors. It’s best to use a fine grind of seasoning; large chunks of herbs will fall off during grilling. There is no need to include salt in the rub, but black pepper is highly recommended.;
Rub suggestion:
Combine all ingredients, mix completely, and apply the rub evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
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How To Grill Pork Chops On Gas Grill
Posted by bestproductsyear
A grilled pork can definitely make a great summer dinner for a cookout with your friends. Pork chops is versatile and a lean meat that is perfect for grilling. Mastering the technique of grilling pork will completely make it perfect for you. Grilling pork chops correctly will help to keep the meat moist which is a necessary thing it because pork chops are easy to dry and cook. It is therefore advisable not to grill the thin pork chops.
You will only bread and fry them and they will taste delicious. Ensure that you buy pork chops that is about 3/4 inch thick. Brine your pork for a short period and check your heat all the time. This is because pork chops do not like high heat. The following are steps followed when grilling your pork chops using the gas grill.
