Get ready for a delicious barbecue treat with Grilled Pork Chops! These chops are not just a meal but a tasty adventure on the grill. From the amazing aroma to the juicy tenderness when you bite, these chops bring the best of summer flavors. With this easy recipe, you'll become a grilling pro and delight everyone at your table - that's how easy this recipe is! It just takes simple ingredients like salt, pepper, and oil, and it's nothing fancy at all, but the flavors will take you to a restaurant-style pork chop dinner!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto and Paleo
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
This is my favorite pork chops recipe and I have solid reasons to love it! Here are some mouthwatering motivators to get you fired up for grilling pork chops. You'll love this recipe for the following reasons:
- Simplicity at its best- basic ingredients!
- Flavorful and juicy.
- Quick preparation and cooking time.
- Perfect for grilling season.
- Delicious low carb, high protein option!
Are Pork Chops Low Carb?
Yes, pork chops are low-carb. Pork is a zero-carb protein powerhouse and thus a perfect choice for your keto or low-carb menu. With close to 0 g net carbs per serving (before sides), it's amazingly satisfying—especially considering each serving has a hefty pound of meat.
If you want to know "Are Pork Chops Low Carb Or Keto?" read the article my nutritionist curated. It has extensive details about the carbs in pork chops, nutritional information, and whether you should eat pork chops on a low-carb diet or not!
Pork Chops Ingredient List
To make grilled pork chops, you will need only 4 ingredients:
- 4 1-pound thick-cut pork chops, well-marbled
- 1 tablespoon olive or other oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Note: Marble in pork means fat content. Unfortunately, modern breeding practices often result in leaner, less flavorful cuts. To elevate your dish, source heirloom or local pork chops from your butcher for great flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps to keep your recipe on track:
- Pork chops: A juicy Porterhouse Steak is a delicious alternative in case you don't have pork chops.
- Olive oil: No olive oil in the pantry? Reach for coconut oil or avocado oil. They are keto-friendly cooking substitutes.
Additional Ingredients
Here are some simple optional ingredients that'll take your dish to the next level:
- Herbs: Elevate the flavor by adding fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage directly to the pork chops as they sizzle on the grill. Alternatively, lay a sprig of rosemary on the chops while grilling and remove it before serving for a fragrant twist.
- Spices: Give your chops a flavor boost with an onion and garlic powder sprinkle before they hit the grill. The aromatic spices will turn golden and infuse your meat with an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Mustard: Add mustard to the pork for a unique taste sensation. Opt for a spicy variety like Dijon to complement the richness of the meat perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Add a zesty kick to your grilled pork chops by squeezing fresh lemon juice over them just before serving.
Note: The additional ingredients are optional and not part of the recipe or its estimated nutrition value in the recipe card below.
Cooking Tools Required
Grilling thick pork chops requires just some basic cooking tools, such as:
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Foil (for covering)
- Optional: Basting brush (for oil)
How to Make Grilled Pork Chops: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
- Remove the chops from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking.
- Gather all the ingredients in precise quantity.
- Wash the pork chops.
- Lightly coat with the oil and generously season with the salt and pepper.
- When you're ready, turn the grill on high to get it nice and hot.
Cooking Instructions
- Add the chops at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates. For thick-cut chops, cook for 4 minutes per side with each rotation on the grill.
- After 4 minutes, rotate to the hot side of the grill. Check my pro tips to see how to vary the grill's temperature for great cooking results.
- Check the temperature of the meat close to the bone or in the thickest part of the chop. The temperature for the thicker chops should register 145°F (62°C).
- Remove from the grill, cover with foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Step 1: Seasoning. Apply salt and pepper liberally to the chops. Allow to come to room temperature for an hour.
Step 2: Reduce the heat on one side of the grill to low. Lay the chops on at a 45 degree angle to the grates.
Step 3: Move the chops to the other side of the grill (the super hot side) and turn down the heat to low. Turn the chops 45 degrees to the grates in the opposite direction. You’ll get perfect steakhouse markings on your chops.
Step 4: Flip the chop this time back to the hot side of the grill. Turn back to the original angle to the grates.
Step 5: This is our last rotation! Move the chops over to the hot side again and rotate. Allow to cook until the proper temperature has been reached.
Step 6: Your grilled pork chops should be just slightly pink in the middle and cut like butter. These chops need no sauce. They are just incredible in their simplicity.
💡 My Pro Tip
Meat Thermometer: Use an instant-read meat thermometer for thick-cut pork chops. Its accurate readings are helpful when checking doneness, especially for bone-in pork chops. Insert the thermometer from the side for boneless chops or beside the bone for bone-in cuts. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (62°C) and let them rest tented under aluminum foil for a few minutes.
Varying the Temperature: You must vary the grill's temperature to ensure your thick-cut pork chops cook through without burning on the outside. Preheat all burners on the grill in the highest setting. Let the grill get nice and hot before adding chops to the grill.
When you add the chops, put them on the right side first and turn the heat to low. When you rotate the chops, move them to the left side. Turn the heat to low on the left side and the heat back to high on the right. Continue changing the temperatures from low to high as you are rotating and flipping the chops from side to side. The temperature under the chops should always be low and on the side without the chops, it should be high. This is to ensure the under-hood cooking temperature is as high as possible.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Bring the meat to room temperature before grilling to save cooking time and ensure even cooking.
- Butterfly thick-cut chops for quicker grilling—the simple cut will reduce cooking time significantly.
- Pre-season the pork chops in advance to save time when you're ready to grill.
- Preheat the grill while the meat is coming to room temperature to speed up the cooking process.
- Prepare any desired marinades or rubs ahead of time for easy seasoning before grilling.
What to Serve With Grilled Pork Chops?
Grilled pork chops are simply delicious on their own, but here are some fantastic food pairings to elevate your meal:
- Sauteed Spinach: Pair the tasty grilled pork chops with a side of vibrant sauteed spinach, creating a balanced and nutritious meal bursting with flavor.
- Bacon Avocado Salad: The flavorful pork chops pair well with a refreshing bacon avocado salad, adding a creamy and savory touch to your plate.
- Loaded Cauliflower Bake: Complement your grilled pork recipe with a hearty serving of loaded cauliflower bake, a comforting and satisfying low-carb alternative.
- Tomato Feta Salad: Serve your succulent grilled pork chops alongside a refreshing tomato feta salad, featuring a delightful blend of tangy feta cheese and juicy tomatoes.
- Spicy Roasted Broccoli: Kick up the flavor of your juicy pork chops with a side of spicy roasted broccoli, adding a fiery and nutritious twist to your meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Enjoy tender grilled asparagus, perfectly seasoned to complement your savory grilled pork chops.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon: Savor the irresistible combination of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon, a delicious side dish for your grilled pork chops.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- When the pork chops have reached room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. After five days, if you're not planning on eating them, store them in the freezer.
Freezing Tips
- Wrap refrigerated or room temperature pork chops individually in plastic wrap, then add an extra layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw frozen pork chops in the fridge overnight and reheat according to the reheating instructions below.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat the leftover pork chops on the grill for best results. Alternatively, heat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) and circle to 347°F (175°C) covered for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may ruin the texture of the chops.
Recipe Conclusion
This recipe is such a treat if it is your first time grilling pork chops. With just salt, pepper, and a hot grill, you will have tender, juicy, and delightful chops in no time. Plus, it's a family favorite recipe so always a win-win!
Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, these best-grilled pork chops are sure to make a statement on your plate. I hope you savor every bite of this simple, yet delicious recipe. Share your photos and thoughts on the recipe. I am keen to hear your experiences. As always, you can join in the conversation and see more pictures and stuff on Facebook and Instagram.
More pork recipes
Looking to add more delicious pork recipes to your collection? Here are some of the most popular pork dishes featured on the blog:
FAQs
Rub pork chops with a mixture of salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices before grilling.
Submerge pork chops in a mixture of salt, water, and optional seasonings for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Keep an instant-read thermometer with you while cooking to avoid overcooking it. Also, check for the nice grill marks on the chops.
The secret to moist pork chops lies in the grilling time for pork chops. Remember not to overcook them; ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and rest them for a few minutes before serving.
For the best results, grill pork chops on an outdoor grill with the lid closed. This helps to retain heat and ensures even cooking, resulting in juicy and flavorful pork chops every time.
Grilling Pork Chops To Perfection 🥩
Ingredients
Pork Chops Ingredient List
- 4 1- pound thick-cut pork chops well-marbled
- 1 tablespoon olive or other oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Remove the chops from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking.
- Gather all the ingredients in precise quantity.
- Wash the pork chops.
- Lightly coat with the oil and generously season with the salt and pepper.
- When you're ready, turn the grill on high to get it nice and hot.
Cooking Instructions
- Add the chops at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates. For thick-cut chops, cook for 4 minutes per side with each rotation on the grill.
- After 4 minutes, rotate to the hot side of the grill. Check my pro tips to see how to vary the grill's temperature for great cooking results.
- Check the temperature of the meat close to the bone or in the thickest part of the chop. The temperature for the thicker chops should register 145°F (62°C).
- Remove from the grill, cover with foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
If you enjoy this recipe for grilling pork chops, please let me know! If you have suggestions for making it even lower in carbs, I'd love to see your comments below! Have a great time grilling!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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13 Responses
I just love grilled pork chops! The ones that you have found are huge! Delicious.
Hey Martha:
You see them as huge, I see them as normal-sized. This is how a good chop should look like for me.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Have a fantastic day in the kitchen!
Scott
I am BEYOND excited for it to finally stop snowing and blowing and be warm enough to use the grill. And this one will definitely be one of the first recipes on the list!
Hey Meaghan:
So glad to hear that. How did they come out?
Thank you for writing and happy eating!
Scott
Welcome to my idea of heaven, so many people struggle with pork because they buy bad pork, lean pork is useless to man nor beast... Yours look perfect.
Hey Brian:
Haha, your idea of heaven, loved that! Agreed, lean pork is no pork at all.
Take care,
Scott