These Grilled Pork Chops are the ultimate choice for anyone who loves tender, flavorful meat with a smoky finish. The marinade adds depth and richness to the pork, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue, these chops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For an added touch, serve these grilled pork chops with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. The combination of smoky flavors and the natural juiciness of the pork makes this dish a memorable one. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, honey, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Coat the pork chops with the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor).
- Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 24 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
How to Make Perfect Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are an ideal meal for a variety of occasions—whether it’s a casual dinner or a summer BBQ. The key to perfectly grilled pork chops lies in marinating them properly, and this easy recipe uses a simple yet flavorful combination of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and smoky paprika. The marinade not only infuses the pork with great taste but also helps keep it juicy during grilling.
Why This Grilled Pork Chop Recipe Works:
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Marinade Magic: The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick while honey and lemon juice bring sweetness and brightness to balance out the flavors. Fresh rosemary and thyme contribute an earthy, herby fragrance, making each bite irresistible.
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Grilling Perfection: The cooking method is simple—grill the pork chops on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. This ensures they cook evenly while retaining moisture, resulting in tender, juicy chops. The recommended internal temperature is 145°F (63°C) for the perfect medium-rare to medium cook, which guarantees flavor and tenderness.
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Versatile Side Pairings: These pork chops pair beautifully with a wide range of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. For a smoky flavor, try serving them with grilled vegetables or a smoky baked potato.
Tips for the Best Grilled Pork Chops:
- Choose the Right Cut: Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful and juicier than boneless ones. The bone helps to retain moisture during grilling, making your chops more tender.
- Let the Chops Rest: After grilling, let your pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist, flavorful bite.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the perfect level of doneness, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but if you prefer a more well-done chop, aim for around 160°F (71°C).
Grilled Pork Chops for Any Occasion
This grilled pork chop recipe is not just for summer grilling—its rich flavors make it a great year-round dish. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or preparing a meal for a crowd at your next BBQ, these juicy, tender chops are sure to impress. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own backyard.
Why Grilled Pork Chops are a Must-Try
Grilled pork chops are a delicious and versatile meal that can easily become a weeknight favorite or a showstopper at your next barbecue. This recipe ensures that you get perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy chops every time. With a simple marinade of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness from honey and lemon juice, these pork chops are packed with flavor.
Key Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
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Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are the ideal cut for grilling. The bone helps keep the meat moist and imparts extra flavor as it cooks. If you prefer boneless chops, they will also work well with this marinade, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
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Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of honey and the savory notes of garlic and herbs. Dijon also helps tenderize the meat slightly, making it more juicy.
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Herbs and Spices: Fresh rosemary and thyme provide an aromatic, earthy fragrance, while smoked paprika gives the pork chops a subtle smoky flavor. This combination creates a balanced and irresistible seasoning profile that elevates the taste of the pork.
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Honey and Lemon Juice: The honey helps balance the tanginess of the mustard and the smokiness of the paprika, while the lemon juice brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the meat.
How to Grill the Perfect Pork Chops
Grilling pork chops might seem intimidating, but with this recipe, you’ll be able to cook them to perfection every time. The key is to maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Here’s how to achieve the best grilled pork chops:
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Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the pork chops thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every surface is covered. Let the pork chops sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For even better results, marinate the pork chops for 1-2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
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Grill to Perfection: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated pork chops on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender chops.
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Rest the Meat: After grilling, allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled pork chops are a versatile main dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Vegetables: Serve the pork chops with grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can complement the richness of the grilled pork.
- Starches: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous for a filling, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pork Chop Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful: The marinade infuses the pork with a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, elevating the taste of the meat.
- Perfectly Grilled: With the right technique, you’ll get tender, juicy pork chops that are grilled to perfection every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe ensures that you’ll create a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Grilled pork chops are a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple marinade of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a touch of honey, these chops are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe ensures a delicious result every time. Pair them with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.