How To Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out
My fondest childhood memories are eating over at my grandmothers house. That sweet, southern woman could cook the perfect fried chicken, but give her a pork chop and she would serve up a tough leathery hockey puck. Its the reason weve all shied away from cooking pork chops for so long! Am I right? But fear not. There are tried and true ways to ensure those chops are tender and juicy.
- Buy bone-in pork chops, ideally the center-cut rib chop, which is the most tender.
- Thick pork chops are key. Anything less that ¾ in thickness will inevitably end up cooking too quickly and drying out.
- If you do end up with a different cut or a boneless pork chop, soaking them in a salt water brine for a minimum of 30 minutes tenderizes the meat throughout the chop.
- Bringing the meat to room temperature helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork chops reach exactly 145 degrees, and remove them from the grill immediately.
- Make sure your pork chops get their moment of rest . The fibers of the meat relax as it is resting, and this gives the pork chops the juicy tenderness we all aspire to.
How Do You Cook Pork Chops So Theyre Tender
To make the most tender and delicious miniature grilled pork chops, make sure to follow a few simple steps. To begin with, make sure the chops are not thicker than an inch. If they are, you can slice them into 1/2-inch-thick chops. This will leave you with four additional chops. Make sure to season the chops with salt before cooking to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Preheat the oven to medium-high. Before cooking, wipe off any excess brine from the pork chops. Place a cast-iron pan or large ovenproof skillet over the medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper. Once the pan or grill is hot, place the chops in a single layer.
To create the brine, mix 2 cups of water with sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the chops to the brine and cover. Allow to sit for at least an hour. Flip over the chops after 30 minutes.
Best Grilled Pork Chops
I love grilling pork chops. Theyre a simple, yet satisfying dinner that everyone can enjoy. This recipe coats the pork chop in my Signature Sweet Rub. Its a brown sugar-based dry rub that adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chop. You can make this from scratch, or to save some time, we sell Sweet Rub from the Hey Grill Hey Store.
These chops also taste amazing with my Best Pork Chops Seasoning. You can even season half with one rub and half with the other to see which one you prefer best.
Also Check: Gilligans Bar And Grill Harrisburg Pa
How Do You Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out On The Grill
To keep pork chops from drying out on the grill, make sure to use a marinade or baste them with a flavorful sauce. Also, be sure to cook them over indirect heat so they dont get too much direct exposure to the flame.
There are two types of pork chops, both of which are bone-in and boneless. The majority of bone-in pork chops are cut from the rib and center sections. Boneless products do not contain bones or fat. Thin, lean pork chops, particularly boneless ones, dry out quickly when cooked outdoors. Cook your pork chops to the proper internal temperature using a meat thermometer. If you want your grilled pork chops to be even and delicious, you should use them liberally with marinade and brine. Allow the chops to sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices and moisture to flow freely through the meat.
To keep pork chops tender and easy to cook, sear them first in a hot oven before cooking them. Grilling thick pork chops takes about 20 minutes, while thin pork chops take 8 minutes to cook . Another method is to roast or slow-roast your pork chops to give them a delicious and evenly cooked texture.
Grilled Pork Chops Tips:
- Hot Grill Make sure to grill on a hot, clean grill. This prevents the meat from sticking and giving you those beautiful grill marks.
- Turn down heat If pork chops are grilling to quickly, turn down the heat.
- Dont Overcook Make sure to use your meat thermometer to check for doneness. If your pork chops cook to long, they can be dry and tough to eat.
Also Check: How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops On The Grill
Easy Grilled Pork Chops
It only takes a few minutes of grilling over high heat on each side of thin pork chops for them to get maximum flavor and for them to be perfectly cooked.
What are thin pork chops? They’re typically about 1/4-inch thick, boneless or bone-in. Pork labeled as cutlets are also known as thin pork chops – look for ones cut from the tenderloin which will be the least tough.
1. Marinate the Pork Chops
Season pork chops and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Prepare a Grill for Medium Heat
Preheat a clean gas or charcoal grill for medium heat. You can also use a grill pan on the stove. If youre using a grill pan, cook the pork chops in batches, as there needs to be at least one inch between each chop so that the chops dont steam.
3. Drain and Season the Pork Chops
Drain the pork chops and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the Pork Chops on One Side for 4 Minutes
Brush the grill with oil. Place chops on grill grate and let them cook until they easily release without sticking, about 4 minutes.
5. Flip and Cook On the Second Side for 3 minutes
Its difficult to use a thermometer to take an internal temperature on a thin pork chop so you just need to trust the timing. If you do take a temperature, you want it to be 145 degrees F.
How Do I Cook Butterfly Pork Chops On A Gas Grill
Getting your gas grill ready for cooking is the first step in making this recipe. It is essential to pre-heat the grill so that the pork chops are well-seasoned. If youre using a charcoal grill, arrange lit coals over half of the grill. If youre using a gas grill, turn the heat up to high. The grills temperature should be at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grill is hot, dry the pork chops thoroughly. Then, season the pork chops with 1 teaspoon of black pepper or a spice rub.
Before cooking the pork chops, you should brine them. Brining adds moisture to the meat, so make sure that you use common table salt. Refrigerate the meat for about an hour or two before cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. You can then cook your butterfly pork chops on the gas grill. After cooking, you can add more seasonings to the meat. Using a spice rub is a great alternative to salt and pepper. While youre seasoning the meat, make sure not to rub it in too much. Instead, you want to push the spices into the meat.
You May Like: How To Make Grilled Zucchini
Also Check: Flat Top Grill Built In
What Should You Look For When Buying Pork Chops
Selecting a high-quality boneless pork chop is essential. A high-quality piece of meat will dramatically improve the taste of the finished dish. When shopping for a boneless pork chop, look for an even color. Avoid pork chops with a darker-colored section separated by a piece of fat.
If possible, befriend your local butcher! Theres nothing wrong with a store-bought chop. But, when youre able to work with a butcher and know where your pork chops are coming from, youll always get a fresher, better cut of meat.
Also Check: How To Cook Cod On Grill
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Posted:
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The BEST Pork Chop Marinade is a quick and easy marinade made with pantry staples! It will make your pork chops extra juicy, full of flavor and delicious. This pork marinade works great if you are grilling outside or if you are inside using a grill pan!
This post is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. All text and opinions are my own.
Theres nothing like firing up the grill on a summer evening and throwing some pork chops on it along with my favorite Grilled Asparagus and Grilled Baked Potatoes! It is an entire meal all prepared on the grill with minimal clean up in the kitchen. This is something I can get behind!
My eyes light up when my hubs says hes going to make pork chops on the grill with this marinade because its the best marinade ever!
Imagine biting into a tender, juicy and delicious pork chop thats been marinaded for an amazing flavor.
Got ya, didnt I?
EPIC!
You know what else I can get behind? Supporting my favorite farmers! Especially my friends over in Iowa that produce amazing pork.
As many of you know, I grew up on a family farm and my family still owns and operates it today. We have moved on from raising livestock, but we used to raise pork, sheep and cattle. Today the farm is ran as a grain farm.
Thats why Im excited to share with you a little about the Iowa Pork Producers today!
Also Check: What Temp To Cook Hamburgers On Pellet Grill
You May Like: Rib Recipes For The Grill
What Is The Best Wood For Smoking Pork Chops
Wood pellets are the best choice. They burn far hotter and way slower than standard wood chips, which gives master grillers a lot more control over the temperature of their pork chops. Hardwood pellets also provide you with more smoke consistency without the build-up and they come in a wide range of blends that are ideal for pork chops.
The blend you go for really depends on what youre looking for in a grilled pork chop. Apple pellets are always a dependable choice if youre on the hunt for that light, slightly fruity flavor a lot of your guests naturally associate with grilled pork chops.
If you want to play around a bit, our all-natural pecan hardwood pellets give pork chops a trace of nuttiness, while our signature blend of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwood adds a full-bodied kick of flavor.
How To Make Pork Chops On A Gas Grill
Making homemade marinades is so easy, far more cost-effective than buying them, and you can doctor them up with what you have on hand and enjoy. Ive provided instructions on grilling pork chops on a gas grill below, but have also given charcoal grill instructions in the recipe card below.
To make this homemade marinade and pork chops on the grill, simply do the following:
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients except the pork chops and parsley in a large ziptop bag.
Step 2: Add the pork chops to the bag, seal, and squish everything around to combine and coat evenly.
Step 3: Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 4: Preheat an outdoor gas grill to medium and when its hot, add the pork chops.
Step 5: Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side and then let the chops rest off the grill.
Step 6: Optionally garnish with parsley and serve!
Recommended Reading: Marinade For Chicken Breast On The Grill
Carryover Cooking & Pull Temp
To estimate what temperature to pull the meat from the grill, we need to understand the carryover cooking we expect. The rise in temperature after cooking is affected by two main factors:
With the combination of a high heat cooking method and a smaller cut of meat, the temperature increase we see during the rest will be quick but still fairly high. After testing multiple chops, we consistently saw an 11-13°F rise in temperature. The best pull temp with our grill was about 133°F . Given the many variables involved with carryover cooking, however, were recommending a pull temp of 135°F to ensure proper doneness.
looks
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Steak To Grill
Pork Chops Internal Temperature
The best way to know if your pork chops are done is by measuring the internal temperature. Everyone likes to eat their pork chops slightly differently. Some like it well done and some like it medium-rare.
So, below you will find internal temperatures corresponding to doneness:
- 145-150ºF medium-rare
Read Also: Gerry’s Grill Union City
Tips For Grilled Pork Chops
- When selecting a pork chop to grill, look for ones with the bone in. Bone in pork chops tend to have better flavor when grilling and the bone helps add moisture.
- To keep pork chops moist on the grill, try this All-Purpose Marinade.
- For extra flavor, try using apple or cherry wood chunks to add a fruity, smoky flavor that compliments pork well. This BBQ Rub is also packed with flavor and tastes delicious on pork.
- The best way to determine if your pork chops are done on the grill is to use a digital cooking thermometer or meat probe. The safe internal temperature of pork chops is 145°F.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
Air fryer bacon wrapped pork chops are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a delicious pork dinner. The pork chops are wrapped in bacon and then cooked in an air fryer until they are crispy and golden brown. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters and is a great way to use up any leftover pork chops you may have.
My stovetop and oven havent been used in months since I last used them. Everything it does, it does. You can make it with dry rub or breaded pork chops. Regardless of which method you use, the thinner the bacon, the brighter it will get, and the faster it will cook. If youre using CrispLid, read the instructions and ingredients to lightly coat the outside. A non-stick spray can be applied to the basket of an air fryer. You should jam 2-3 pork chops into the basket without overlapping them.
Cook pork chops for 10 minutes on each side, turning halfway through the process. The recipe for Easy Air Frying Pork is as simple to make as 30 minutes. 1 pork chop, flip and cover, and both sides of the chop should be lightly coated. To wrap bacon horizontally, cut it into two slices using a cutting board. The pork chop should be wrapped in a meaty-end and fastened with two toothpicks.
Don’t Miss: Porto Alegre Brazilian Grill And Bar
Pork Chop Grilling Basics
Pork chops are most often cut from the pork loin and are the pig equivalent of ribeye steaks. Now that may seem incredible, as ribeyes are deeply marbled and known for their fatty richness, but modern chops are actually quite lean and have only a hint of the spinalis cap muscle that crowns a ribeye. This is because of the way that consumer demand shaped hog-breeding practices in the USA. The fear of fat and cholesterol led to the breeding of pigs with little intramuscular fat and therefore leaner chops. If you want a rich and fatty chop, you can still get one, but it will have to come from a heritage breed of pig like Berkshire.
Because of that market-imposed leanness, pork chops are often overcooked and dry. To combat the drying tendency, its best to keep your chops moving as you cook them. Get your grill ripping hot so that you can get those tasty Maillard-browned grill lines of charry goodness, but dont leave your chop on one side all the way until its halfway done, and then flip it. Instead, give your chops about 6090 seconds per side, then flip them multiple times.
Pro Tip: Score the Fat for Even Cooking
Pork chops have a tendency to buckle as they cook, making it hard to maintain even contact with the pan. The layer of fat around the chops exterior shrinks faster than the meat inside, squeezing it and causing it to buckle. Score the fat in two or three places with a sharp knife. The chops wont look flawless, but theyll cook a heck of a lot more evenly.
How To Make Easy Grilled Pork Chops
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices and herbs.
- Place the pork chops in a suitable marinating dish or a large Ziploc bag.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for at least 5 minutes on the highest setting.
- Take the chops off the heat when their internal temperature reaches 145ºF / 62ºC, cover with foil and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
Don’t Miss: The Grill At Quarterfield Station
How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops On Stove
There is no one single answer for the question, How long do you cook butterfly pork chops on the stove? However, you can use several tips and tricks to cook them perfectly. First, make sure that your chops are browned on all sides. Then, use a thermometer to see how well done they are. You may also want to season your meat beforehand. Using salted butter before cooking will keep the meat tender and flavorful.
Next, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chops. They should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit when theyre done, or when they have a squishy bounce when pressed with a finger. If possible, cook your chops in a high-fat oil. This will keep them moist while searing. Be sure to take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to keep them at room temperature.
Dont Miss: What Kind Of Grill Should I Buy