Remove from the grill and let the meat rest for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will rise and reach a safe 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Although time is a nice guideline for a recipe, the absolute most important factor in grilling your pork chops to perfect doneness is internal temperature. Pork is perfectly cooked through, juicy, and safe to eat at 145 degrees F. Get yourself a good instant read thermometer to avoid over or under cooking your grilled pork chops.
I recommend this $32 digital Thermopop from Thermoworks or the $99 Thermapen MK4 if you're really serious. Which is why some people look for barbecue pork chops recipes over grilled pork chop recipes. (pork will reach safe temperature of 145°F after resting). Actual cooking time will depend on the heat of your grill and the thickness of your pork chop. According to USDA guidelines, pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, the meat will reach a safe 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63° C) which puts them at a nice juicy medium temperature.
A simply glaze, made of sticky-sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fresh garlic, drenches each perfectly grilled pork chop in this recipe from Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Choosing the right cut is key to a perfect, juicy pork chops recipe. All pork chops come from the loin, but depending on what section of the loin, the chops will differ in flavor and tenderness. In my experience, the center-cut rib chops are the best choice for grilling. They have a little fat to add flavor, but not the tough gristle of a shoulder chop. They are very tender and the flavor is mild.
A boneless chop is also an option, and perhaps the most commonly used. They cook a little faster, but without any bone or fat, they often have less flavor and dry out quickly. The best way to ensure you aren't overcooking your pork chops is to use a meat thermometer. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°.
There won't be any pink left when you cut into it! You can safely pull the meat off the grill at 140° and after resting for a few minutes, the meat will have continued to carry-over cook to the 145°. It's the best way to ensure your pork chop doesn't come out dry! We recommend a cook time of 8 minutes per side, but ideally you are checking the temperature as each grill and pork chop is different.
When buying your chops go for ones that are about 1" thick and boneless center cut. If you prefer bone-in those work well too. Using a digital meat thermometer, insert the tip into the thickest part of the pork chop, but not touching the bone. When the internal temperature reaches 145°F, remove it from the grill. A 2-inch pork chop may seem daunting because of its thickness, but grilling it is simple, and the added thickness keeps the chop from drying out. Marinate it first if you like, or simply season it with salt, pepper, garlic or a rub made for pork chops.
In fact, it will taste better if you remove it from the grill when it is still slightly pink. When in doubt, use a meat thermometer. The meat is done when the thermometer reads 145 F.
Move the pork chops to the indirect heat area. Cover the grill and cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with an instant read thermometer. Quite likely the most popular cut of pork however many feel the best pork chop recipe is made with the rib end of the loin. The center is very versatile, lean, tender and quick cooking.
It adapts well to a brine, rubs, marinades, glazes and when grilling pork chops for maximum tenderness do not cook past medium doneness. The best pork chops for grilling are center-cut, bone-in rib chops that are at least an inch thick. To avoid drying the chops while grilling, either marinate or brine them before cooking. We suggest a basic brine solution of 1/4 cup salt to four cups of water. Brine the pork chops in a shallow dish for two to four hours in the refrigerator.
Discard the used marinade or brine, rinse chops in cold water, and pat dry with a paper towel. Liberally apply coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to both sides. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a wide variety of spices, from brown sugar and chili powder to coriander, turmeric and any number of ethnic blends.
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. Investing in a digital instant-read meat thermometer is key to perfectly cooked, juicy grilled pork chops. You'll avoid the guesswork and know exactly when to take your pork chops off the grill before they get dry and overcooked. As soon as the temperature reads 145 degrees, take them off the grill.
After your pork chops are finished cooking, transfer them to a plate and slather with more barbecue sauce. Let the pork rest 3 minutes before serving. While the pork cooks, the juices are forced away from the heat to the middle of the meat.
The resting time allows for the redistribution and reabsorption of the juices throughout the whole chop for optimal flavor and juiciness. If you've ever made grilled pork chops and had them turn out dry and tough, you're 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. Thicker pork chops take longer to cook. Two-zone grilling gives you the versatility to cook for longer periods without overcooking the meat. Heat coals, gas grill, or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place meat on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or refer to the cooking time chart above for other cuts. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Getting your temperature right will make a difference between eating juicy grilled pork chops and struggling with some dried out, tough chops. Then, do you love your chops boneless or bone-in?
You can set a temperature that will keep the meat tender, preserve its juices, and leave it with that smoky flavor you want. And, since these cuts are lean, no need for marinating them before grilling. Your meal can be ready in half an hour.
In a large bowl, make pork chop marinade by mixing brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Add in olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. This means the grilled pork chops will be slightly pink inside which is OKAY.
The dynamic spice rub is made with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder,chipotle pepper, salt and pepper. The seasonings envelop the pork in a smoky, earthy, robust, crust with just the right kick of heat that creates a caramelized seasoned crust once grilled. 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 includes instructions for gas, pellet and charcoal grills.
This recipe works well with bone-in or boneless pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size and thickness of your meat . Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. A juicypork chop with some pinkin the middle has finally been given the official "okay" by the USDA.
A juicypork chop with some pinkin the middle has been given the official "okay" by the USDA. In short, you can use this easy grilled pork chops recipe with rib chops, loin chops or boneless chops. Our preference is always a 1-2 inch "thick-cut" chop. The chops shown here each weighed about 8 ounces and measured about 1.5-inches thick. I grill a lot of pork so I'm pretty confident in giving advice on how to get perfectly grilled pork chops. A humble dinner fork is used to poke holes in the meat to help tenderize the pork for the grill.
A citrusy marinade continues the process of ensuring tasty and tender pork chops. And a digital meat thermometer makes sure the chops aren't over-cooked. Reduce the burners to medium, close the lid, and cook for about another 15 minutes more. Pork needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 don't 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. Another secret to tender, juicy pork chops is not to immediately serve them as soon as they come off the grill. Cover the pork chops with aluminum foil and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. Next, use your meat thermometer to confirm the cooking temperature at the end of the cooking time.
Insert it at the coldest part of the meat. Usually, this part is the mid-section area. Once you confirm it, remove the chops, place them on an aluminum foil, and wait for its recommended resting time before serving. During the resting time, the juices will redistribute to the entire meat to result in an even, juicy pork chop. Either of these will be a great option for the grill. Grilling perfect juicy pork chops on your gas grill in under 30 minutes is simple.
Use boneless or bone-in chops, do an optional brine if you have time, and season to your taste, and you will have an easy healthy dinner for the whole family. Place the chops in the indirect-heat zone, which should be in the range of about 350°F (177°C), and cook them until they reach 130°F (54°C). When the alarm on your Smoke sounds, move them to the hot side for just a minute or two to sear a few tasty grill marks onto the surface. With a Thermapen, verify that their internal temperature has reached 140°F (60°C) and no higher before removing them from heat to rest.
This method yields juicy, tender pork chops that will leave a lasting impression, especially on those that have been eating overcooked pork their whole lives. Toss in a few grilled fresh apricots, and you have a dinner that celebrates not just National Grilling Month, but the whole of summer. Prepare a grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Add the pork chops, close the lid and cook 5-6 minutes.
Flip, close the lid and cook to an internal temperature of 145°F, another 5-6 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Unlike thin pork chops, which can easily dry out on the grill, thick chops (1 - 1 ½-inches thick) retain their moisture and rich flavor.
The secret to grilling thick chops—whether on a Traeger or on a gas grill—is to brine them first. A brine is a simple solution of water, salt, and in this case, a touch of sugar. The pork chops absorb the brine, seasoning the meat all the way down to the bone (not just on the surface!).
The brine also gives the meat a higher water content and more tender texture, meaning you end up with juicier, more succulent chops. They are FABULOUS, easy and simple for grilling any day of the week and a delicious way to mix up the usual routine. Pork chops are also budget friendly and can emerge as flavorful and as juicy as a anything when done right-and this recipe is done right.
These Grilled Pork Chops are melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy with complex sweet, savory, smoky, spicy notes with a saucy, caramelized finish. I guarantee they will become a dinner time staple for all your busy days. Flip and cook on the other side for another 4 to 8 minutes , until the pork reaches 135 degrees F on an instant read thermometer . When the pork chops are done, they will feel just firm to the touch, the juices will run slightly pink, and the meat will look rosy in the center. Place on a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest 10 minutes. Dry, chewy pork chops are a thing of the past—these thick-cut beauties are everything an excellent grilled pork chop should be.
