Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are a classic for any outdoor cookout or summer dinner. I love their rich, savory flavor, juicy texture, and how easy they are to prepare. Brining pork chops for 2 hours is an excellent method to enhance their flavor and juiciness, especially for lean cuts that can sometimes turn out dry. Serve them with your favorite summer side dish, like potato salad, coleslaw, or macaroni salad.
Why Brine Pork Chops?
Brining involves soaking the pork chops in a saltwater solution. The salt in the brine helps the meat retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicier pork chops. • High-Protein: Pork chops are a lean cut of meat with 39.5 grams of protein per serving. • Juicy and Delicious: While brining is an extra step, I promise it’s worth it. These are the best pork chops! • Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, dairy-free, keto, low-carb, and paleo If you make this easy pork chop recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
Ingredients
You’ll need salt, water, pork chops, and spices for this grilled pork chop recipe. See the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Pork Chops: Trim fat from center-cut, bone-in pork chops. Boneless pork chops may dry out quicker but they will still work. Brine: Water and Diamond Crystal kosher salt (Any other type of salt–even another kosher salt–will not work.) Spice Rub: Sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme and sage, black pepper Olive Oil Spray helps the rub stick to the meat and keeps the pork moist.
How to Make Grilled Pork Chops
Here’s how to brine, season, and grill pork chops. The complete instructions are in the recipe card below.
What is the Best Meat Thermometer?
Keep It Cold: Always brine in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Don’t Over-Brine: Brining longer than recommended will make the meat too salty and mushy. Stick to the recommended times, and if you aren’t ready to cook immediately, drain, rinse, pat dry, and grill later. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinsing off the brine after soaking is crucial to avoid overly salty pork chops. Follow Directions as Written: Use the exact measurements of water and salt as written. If you use less water, it will be saltier. Use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Other brands of kosher salt, like Morton, sea salt, or table salt will all result in saltier meat because they contain more sodium.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, grilled corn, or grilled asparagus are great choices. Salads: A fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw can complement the richness of the pork. Potatoes: Whether mashed, roasted, or in a potato salad, they are always crowd-pleasers. Pasta Salads like this Greek Orzo Salad or Macaroni Salad are sure to be a hit.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat: Microwave them until warm. Freeze pork for 3 months and thaw in the fridge before eating.
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