Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops may not be as glamorous as steaks, but we'd argue they're every bit as delicious and special. (They're also more affordable.) The marinade is filled with umami-rich flavors that caramelize and cook beautifully on the grill. You can use the marinade on any proteins you like, in fact. We just prefer it on pork chops.

Learn how to make grilled pork chops. Our basic marinade is full of pantry staples to help you mix it together fast.

Ingredients for Grilled Pork Chops

The marinade for grilled pork chops calls for several pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together quickly. Here's what you'll need to gather when you're ready to make this meal:

• Worcestershire sauce: This pantry staple adds some saltiness and umami depth to the pork chops. While not identical, coconut aminos will work for people who don't like Worcestershire.
• Olive oil: Helps keep the pork chops from sticking to the grill and avoid the outside of the meat drying out.
• White wine vinegar: Vinegar helps to tenderize the meat. Apple cider vinegar would also work well, if you prefer it.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the pork chops. You can use honey if you like it.
• Salt: Everything needs salt for flavor balance.
• Rosemary: If you don’t have fresh or dried rosemary on hand, dried oregano would also work well.
• Sliced garlic: The large slices of garlic are easier to remove from the pork before grilling so it doesn't burn.
• Smoked paprika: To add extra smoky flavor. to the pork chops. It's especially great if you use the grill pan inside to make this meal instead of the actual grill, which will naturally impart more smoky flavor.
• Black pepper: If you would like a little more heat, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper to the marinade as well.
• Pork chops: The star of the show! We call for thick-cut, bone-in chops so they will be less likely to dry out on the grill.

How To Grill Pork Chops

The timeframe on this grilled pork chops recipe is more than eight hours, but eight of those hours is the marinating time. Even if you can't marinate for the full eight hours, a few hours of a soak in the sauce will flavor the pork chops well before they hit the grill.

Full instructions for grilled pork chops are below, but here's a brief recap:

• Step 1. Prepare the marinade: Stir ingredients for the marinade together in a small bowl until they are well combined. Place the pork chops in a gallon-size zip-top plastic bag (or reusable bag). Add the marinade, and flip to cover the meat well. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, turning occasionally if possible.
• Step 2. Let meat rest at room temperature: When you're ready to grill, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before you're ready to cook. This allows them to come up to room temperature, which means they will cook more evenly when on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat.
• Step 3. Grill the pork chops: The pork chops start on high heat for a nice sear, and then you'll lower the heat to medium and cook until the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Be sure to let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes once they come off the grill for optimal juiciness.
  

How Long To Grill Pork Chops

How long pork chops will need to cook on a grill depends on how thick they are and how high the grill's heat is. However, in this recipe, pork chops are grilled for about 15 to 20 minutes total.

They're first seared over high heat for several minutes. Then, the temperature is lowered to finish cooking them without burning the outside of the meat.

Variations for Grilled Pork Chops

If you want to mix things up, try one of these variations the next time you make these grilled pork chops:

• Change the marinade: This marinade is filled with umami-rich flavors and the perfect sweet-salty balance, but you can change it to anything you prefer. In a real pinch, reach for a bottle of barbecue sauce. Just give time for the pork chops to sit in the marinade to gain some flavor.
• Swap the chops: We like bone-in pork chops for grilling because they cook evenly and stay juicy, but you can use this same marinade for boneless chops. Just watch the internal temperature more closely after you lower the grill's heat. Boneless pork chops tend to cook more quickly and dry out in a flash.

Ways To Serve Grilled Pork Chops

We don't have to tell you that grilled pork chops will go with nearly any side dish you can make. Some of the favorites include Grilled Potatoes, Zucchini Fritters, and Quick Pickled Slaw. Traditional barbecue sides like Classic Potato Salad, Coleslaw, or Creamy Cucumber Salad will be great, too. Wash it all down with a glass of Lemonade Iced Tea.

More Favorite Grilled Dinners

While the grill is going, these dinners are also welcome on the table:

• Grilled BBQ Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Legs
• Sweet-And-Smoky Grilled Pork Tenderloins
• Pork Chops With Carolina Barbecue Sauce
• Grilled Flank Steak With Chimichurri