Learn how to grill the best juicy grilled pork chops with just a few simple steps. In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, full-flavor meal on the table for your family. When the neighbors find out you are grilling, they just might find a reason to stop over.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, look no further than grilled pork chops. Pork chops are quick and easy to cook, and they taste amazing when grilled. Follow these tips to grill the best juicy pork chops every time.
There is One Secret to Grilling Juicy Pork Chops Every Time
If you’re like me, you love grilled pork chops. They’re delicious and juicy and perfect for a summer BBQ. But getting them just right can be tricky.
Grilling pork chops can be a challenge. If they’re cooked too long, they will end up dry and tough. Cook on too high of heat and the outside is burned before the inside is cooked. Undercook and the meat may not be safe to eat.
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So, what’s the secret to grilled pork chops that are juicy every time? The answer is simple; the best way to assure the best pork chops every time is to brine your pork chops before grilling them! By soaking them in a salty solution for a few hours, you’ll ensure that they stay moist and tender when grilled. You will be amazed at the difference this makes. Since this is a lean meat, even if you overcook your chops just a bit, the little bit of time you took before grilling will help keep the meat juicy.
How to Make a Brine for Grilling Meat?
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook meat. It gives it a delicious smoky flavor that can’t be beat. But sometimes the meat can turn out a little dry. One way to prevent this from happening is to brine your meat before grilling it.
Brining before grilling helps season and tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy even when grilled.
This simple recipe for making a brine can be used on pork, beef, or chicken.
Brine Ingredients.
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/3 cup kosher salt, or 1 3/4 ounces other kinds of salt
In a large container big enough to hold the liquid and your meat, add the water and salt. Whisk until the salt is dissolved.
Add the pork chops to the brine mixture making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Once the pork chops are done brining, remove them from the liquid, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them for the grill.
Season Pork Chops for Grilling
A spice rub is a perfect way to add flavor to pork before grilling. There’s something about grilled pork chops that just screams summertime. And, luckily, they’re one of the simplest things to throw on the grill. You could just season them up with some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and you’re good to go.
However, there are lots of wonderful seasonings that pair well with pork; Chinese five spice, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, chili, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground mustard. Pro Tip: If you took the time to bring your pork chops ahead of time, make sure not to add salt to the dry rub as the meat has already been flavored with salt in the brining process.
A simple method to make a dry rub is to add 1 teaspoon of each of the suggested spices to a small bowl and give it a stir. Sometimes, it is the simple seasoning that tastes the best. Pat the spice rub on both sides of the pork chop. Pro Tip: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel before seasoning with the spice rub.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops on the Grill
To cook pork chops on the grill, you’ll need high heat for searing and medium heat for cooking.
First, set your charcoal grill up with the coals on one side. If you have a gas grill, turn the burners on one side on high and the other side on low.
Next, sear the chops over the high heat for 2 minutes per side to get beautiful grill marks. Place pork chops on the grill grates to get seared over high heat to get those gorgeous grill marks and seal in the juices.
Then, move the chops to the cooler side of the grill and finish cooking over indirect heat keeping the grill covered the whole time to keep the heat in. This can take 5-7 minutes. The cooking time can vary depending on how thick your meat is cut and how high the temperature is on your grill.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops at 400 Degrees Fahrenheit?
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. In general, plan on 7 minutes of cooking for every half inch thickness, including searing time. Therefore, if you have a 1 1/2 – inch thick pork chops, plan on 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of your meat before eating. The ideal temperature of pork should be 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit for the greatest amount of flavor. To check for doneness, use a digital instant read thermometer. This will work for different cuts of pork chops.
How Long to Grill 1/2 Inch Pork Chops?
Thinner cuts of meat such as 1/2-inch pork chops will cook rather quickly. Once they are seared on each side for two minutes, it will only require another 3-5 minutes, for 7 minutes total. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
How To Grill The Best Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops
Brine Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/3 cup kosher salt or 1 3/4 ounces other kinds of salt
Instructions
Brining Pork Chops
- In a large container big enough to hold the liquid and your meat, add the water and salt. Whisk until the salt is dissolved.6 cups cold water, 1/3 cup kosher salt
- Add the pork chops to the brine mixture making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.4 Pork Chops
- Once the pork chops are done brining, remove them from the liquid, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them for the grill.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. In general, plan on 7 minutes of cooking for every half inch thickness, including searing time. Therefore, if you have a 1 1/2 – inch thick pork chops, plan on 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of your meat before eating. The ideal temperature of pork should be 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit for the greatest amount of flavor. To check for doneness, use a digital instant read thermometer. This will work for different cuts of pork chops.
- For best results, rest the pork for 2-3 minutes with aluminum foil tented over the top to help retain the heat.
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How Long to Rest Pork Chops?
Once the meat is seared to seal in the juices and cooked to the perfect temperature, it is important to let the meat rest so the juices can be reabsorbed. If you cut into the pork immediately, all the juices will run out of the meat. For best results, rest the pork for 2-3 minutes with aluminum foil tented over the top to help retain the heat.
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Chops?
A great cut of meat that is cooked to perfection tastes even better with a side dish that compliments the flavors of the easy meal. Here are a few ideas for you.
