Ah, the joy of grilling—I can practically hear the sizzle and smell the smoky aroma wafting through the air. Grilled pork chops, with their juicy centers and crispy edges, are like the symphony of summer nights. You know, when the sun’s setting, and you’re surrounded by friends or maybe just your thoughts, each bite tells a story. Whether marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend or a spicy barbecue bath, these chops are a canvas for flavor, waiting for your artistic touch.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic to create a marinade. Ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Place the pork chops in a bowl or a resealable bag, and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate the meat for a minimum of one hour, allowing up to eight hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium heat setting. Once heated, place the marinated pork chops onto the grill.
- Grill the pork chops for about 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra chopped parsley.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons chopped thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1252kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 368mg | Sodium: 3028mg | Potassium: 2328mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 7.2mg
FAQ
- What is the ideal internal temperature for cooking pork chops?
- Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
- How long should I marinate pork chops before grilling?
- It’s recommended to marinate pork chops for at least one hour. If possible, marinate for up to eight hours for enhanced flavor.
- What is the recommended grilling time for pork chops?
- Pork chops should be grilled for about 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F in the thickest part of the chop.
- How long can you store leftover pork chops?
- Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- How do you achieve tender pork chops?
- Using bone-in pork chops and cooking them to 145°F helps maintain tenderness. Allow the meat to rest for five minutes post-grilling to retain juices.
Tips
- Opt for bone-in pork chops as they tend to retain moisture better during grilling, reducing the risk of the meat drying out.
- Prepare the marinade up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows you to save time on the day of grilling.
- Prevent the marinade’s sugar from burning by ensuring your grill isn’t excessively hot before adding the meat.
- Preheat the grill thoroughly to achieve defined grill marks on the pork chops, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill (Charcoal or Gas) or Indoor Grill Pan
- Meat Thermometer (Instant Read or Probe Thermometer)
