Are you tired of dry, tough pork chops? Grilling is a fantastic way to cook pork chops, adding a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. But the crucial question is always: How Long To Grill Pork Chops to achieve that perfect balance of juicy tenderness and delicious char? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grill pork chops to perfection every time.
Choosing the Right Pork Chops for Grilling
Before we dive into grilling times, let’s talk about the pork chops themselves. The type and thickness of your pork chops significantly impact how long to grill pork chops.
- Boneless vs. Bone-in: Boneless pork loin chops are a popular choice because they cook relatively quickly and evenly. Bone-in chops, like rib chops, tend to be more flavorful and can stay juicier for longer, but they may require a bit more grilling time.
- Thickness Matters: This is key to determining how long to grill pork chops. Aim for pork chops that are at least 1/2-inch thick, and ideally closer to 1 inch. Thicker chops are much more forgiving on the grill and less likely to dry out. Thin pork chops cook very quickly and can easily become overcooked and tough if you’re not careful about grilling time.
The Magic of Marinades for Grilled Pork Chops
While grilling time is essential, flavor is king! A good marinade does wonders for pork chops. It not only infuses them with delicious flavor but also helps to keep them moist during grilling. For a simple yet incredibly effective marinade, you only need three ingredients:
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the pork chops from sticking to the grill.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth and tenderizing enzymes.
- Steak Seasoning: Offers a robust blend of spices that complements pork beautifully. You can use a store-bought blend like Montreal steak seasoning or easily make your own homemade version (recipe below!).
Homemade Steak Seasoning Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher/coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon dill
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Combine all spices and store in an airtight container.
Marinate your pork chops for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops: Time and Temperature Guide
Now, for the burning question: how long to grill pork chops? The exact grilling time depends on the thickness of your pork chops and the heat of your grill. Here’s a general guideline for medium heat (around 375°F or 190°C):
- For 1/2-inch thick pork chops: Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
- For 1-inch thick pork chops: Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
- For thicker than 1-inch pork chops: You may need to increase the grilling time to 8-10 minutes per side, or consider using the reverse sear method (see tips below).
Using a Meat Thermometer is Key
The best way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding the bone if you are using bone-in chops.
- Target Internal Temperature: The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
- Resting Time: After grilling, tent the pork chops loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Pork Chops
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Marinate pork chops for at least 3 hours. Remove them from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before grilling to take the chill off.
- Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375°F or 190°C). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Pork Chops: Place the marinated pork chops on the preheated grill.
- Grilling Time (First Side): Grill for the recommended time based on thickness (see guide above), without moving them, to get nice grill marks.
- Flip and Grill (Second Side): Flip the pork chops and continue grilling for the remaining time, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest: Remove the pork chops from the grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Slice and serve your juicy grilled pork chops!
Tips for Extra Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grill pork chops in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Pork chops are lean and can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and take them off the grill as soon as they reach 145°F (63°C).
- Consider Reverse Searing for Thick Chops: For pork chops thicker than 1.5 inches, you might want to try reverse searing. This involves cooking them at a lower temperature for a longer time to bring them close to the target temperature, and then searing them over high heat at the end to get a nice crust without overcooking the inside.
- Let Them Rest! Resting is not optional; it’s crucial for juicy pork chops. Don’t skip the resting time!
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:
- Orzo Pilaf
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Pasta Salad
- Baked potatoes or Hasselback potatoes
- A fresh green salad
Enjoy Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops Every Time
Knowing how long to grill pork chops and using a meat thermometer are your keys to grilling success. With this guide and a little practice, you’ll be grilling tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops that will impress your family and friends all summer long (and year-round!).
Tender Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (1/2 to 1-inch thick)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning, store-bought or homemade
Instructions:
- Marinate: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and steak seasoning. Place pork chops in a large zip-top bag or dish and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (375°F/190°C). Clean and oil grill grates.
- Grill Pork Chops: Grill pork chops for 6-8 minutes per side for 1-inch thick chops (adjust time for thickness, see guide above), or until a meat thermometer registers 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
- Rest: Remove from grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Steak Seasoning: For homemade steak seasoning, combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons black pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1 tablespoon dill, and ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pork Chop Thickness: For thinner chops, reduce grilling time. For chops thicker than 1 inch, increase grilling time or consider reverse searing.
- Marinade: Double the marinade if you prefer a heavier coating.
