Grilled Pork Chops

The pleasures of cooking over fire run deep. Grilling engages the senses with intense aromas, sounds of sizzling and popping and the sight of flames licking the grate. Those sensations, plus the need to use extra care around the fierce heat, feel more primal than stirring a pot on the stove.

Grilled pork chops hit all those exciting notes. Because these chops are brined before being cooked, and then are rubbed with an aromatic spice blend, the sensory intensity continues when you go to slice into the chops. It also means you must plan ahead, since brining takes 8 to 12 hours. This pork chops recipe is a great starting point for grilled chops, but it can be customized to your taste.

Center-cut chops (like the ones called for in this recipe) generally come bone-in, which contributes to both juiciness and flavor. You want them on the thicker side—at least 1 inch thick—so they can hold up to direct heat and take on a nice sear before overcooking. If you use boneless chops, the cooking will move a little more quickly.

Ingredients for Grilled Pork Chops

• Kosher salt: Use kosher salt for the brine to ensure a juicy final product. The larger salt crystals are perfect for brines and rubs.
• Sugar: Most meat brines contain both salt and sugar. Granulated sugar acts as a tenderizer, adds nuance to the flavor and enhances the browning of the meat when cooked.
• Pork chops: The best cut of pork for this recipe is the bone-in, center-cut pork chop, but rib chops and loin chops are also excellent choices.
• Canola oil: Oil ensures the dry rub adheres to the meat. Don’t have canola? Try another neutral cooking oil, like grapeseed oil.
• Rub seasonings: In addition to paprika (you can use sweet, hot or smoked paprika), our pork rub calls for onion and garlic powders, cumin, ground mustard, black pepper and dried chipotle pepper. That last one adds some nice kick!

Directions

Step 1: Make the brine

In a large saucepan, combine salt, sugar and two cups of water. Cook and stir over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 2 cups of ice water to cool the brine to room temperature.

Step 2: Brine the pork chops

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Place the pork chops in a large resealable bag and add the cooled brine. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Turn the chops to coat them. Place the bag in a 9×13-inch baking dish and refrigerate it for 8 to 12 hours. Remove the chops from the brine, then rinse and pat them dry. Discard the brine.

Step 3: Season the pork chops

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Once dry, brush both sides of the chops with oil. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard, black pepper and ground chipotle pepper.

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Rub the spice mix onto the pork chops and let them stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Editor’s Tip: Room-temperature meat will cook more evenly on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the pork chops

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Grill pork chops on an oiled rack, covered, over medium heat for four to six minutes per side or until a thermometer inserted into the center of each chop reads 145°F. Let the pork chops stand for five minutes before serving.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t skip the resting step. Letting the pork chops rest for five minutes allows the juices to redistribute, creating a better-tasting, juicier chop.

Ellie Crowley For Taste Recipes

Recipe Variations

• Change the rub: It’s easy to modify this rub to your liking. For a spicier rub, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you like it sweet, include 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. You could also try a garlic pepper rub or some Creole seasoning.
• Marinate the chops: Instead of brining the chops, use an easy marinade recipe to infuse the pork with flavor.
• Add a sauce: These pork chops already pack a punch, but you can still pair them with a sauce. Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce will amplify the flavors of the dry rub, bringing the dish to the next level. A spunky pesto, on the other hand, will provide balance with its refreshing herbal notes. You can even use a creamy sauce, such as buttermilk blue cheese dressing, as a dip.

How to Store Grilled Pork Chops

Pop the cooked pork chops into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. To make using the leftovers easier, you could cut the meat off the bone before storing the chops. If you do so, consider freezing the bones so that you can add them to your next batch of homemade bone broth.

How long do grilled pork chops last?

Store leftover pork in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How do you reheat grilled pork chops?

Aim to heat the pork through without cooking it much further. I like to cut pork meat off the bone and into strips and heat the pieces in a simmering liquid until just hot. You can also reheat a whole chop or pork pieces in the microwave.

Grilled Pork Chops Tips

Ellie Crowley For Taste Recipes

How long should you brine pork chops?

You should brine pork chops for 8 to 12 hours, but no longer. You want the brine to penetrate the meat, but if you leave it too long, the proteins will begin to break down, and the cooked meat will feel mushy. Plus, over time, the pork will become too salty. Brine the chops in the morning; they should be perfectly seasoned when it’s time to cook dinner.

How long should you grill pork chops?

How long you grill pork chops depends on several factors: whether they’re bone-in or boneless chops; their thickness; and your grill. But, generally, pork chops take about 8 to 12 minutes total. An instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork. Regardless of how thick your chops are, the USDA recommends heating them to an internal pork chop temperature of 145° before removing them from the heat and allowing them to rest for three to five minutes. And just like beef, pork can be pink and still safe to eat.

Can you bake pork chops instead of grilling them?

To bake these pork chops, preheat the oven to 425°, place the chops in a lightly oiled, oven-safe pan or dish, and bake, turning them after six minutes. After another six minutes, check the internal temperature of the meat and continue to cook until it reaches 145°.

What can you serve with grilled pork chops?

Grilled pork chops—like other grilled dinners—call for your favorite picnic-style side dishes. Simple fare such as Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw, southern potato salad, a grilled vegetable platter or some old-fashioned baked beans would be perfect accompaniments with grilled pork chops. If you want to get more creative, try offering black-eyed pea tomato salad, summer squash salad or an ear of jalapeno popper Mexican street corn.