How To Cook Pork Chops On A Gas Grill Or Charcoal Grill
Pork chops are far more lean than they used to be back in the day, and is the same reason why they can easily be overcooked. To make sure they come out juicy and flavorful theres a few tips to deliver juicy bites every time.
Choose the right pork chop for grilling. While lean chops are good, too leanlike sirloin chopsare not great for grilling. Instead, choose center-cut rib chops and center-cut loin chops with a bit more fat for flavor and tenderness.
Fat or thin, both chops win. Thin pork chops are great for grilling because they cook quick with less time to dry out. Thicker pork chops can be just as tender and just as juicy as thin. Again, it comes down to the cut you choose. For a quick-cooking boneless pork chop, choose pork chops with a thin fat cap that are about 1 inch thick.
Oil your chops, not the grill. Boneless pork chops dont have much fat and can stick to the grill if not oiled. We use canola, grape seed or olive oil.
Simply season grilled pork chops. Just like any protein, seasoning is the key. Choose your favorite store-bought pork seasoning or make your own, like my dry rub for ribs thats loaded with flavor.
How Long Does It Take Pork Chops To Cook At 350
They required about 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Bone-In pork chops require about 10% MORE cooking time, so make sure you factor that into your planning if you bought pork chops with bones. Thinner pork chops will take approximately 25-35 minutes, while VERY thin *under 1/4 inch* will be even less.
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How To Reverse Sear Pork Chops On A Grill
One popular way to get the most smoke flavor, the perfect cooking temperature, and those appetizing grill marks, is to reverse-sear the pork chops.
Set the Traeger grill temperature to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat, with the lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Because of the lower temperature, youll more than double the cooking time. Cook at the same temp for 60 minutes .
After you reach an hour, you should remove the pork chops from your grill and set your temperature to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grill is hot, place the pork chop back on the grill and sear for three minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit . Then rest for at least three minutes and serve.
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How Long Does It Take To Cook Pork Chops On The Grill
First off, pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. We recommend using a meat thermometer if you are learning to grill. The following cuts give an estimate of the cook time per side when using the charcoal properly.
Charcoal should be lit in a charcoal oven and poured out into the bottom of the grill to become gray and smolder. You are ready to grill when an outstretched hand held over the grill grates can be held stationary over the coals for 2 seconds only. This is the proper heat for grilling.
For Best Results, our Guide Recommends Grilling One Side With a Nice Sear and Then Finishing On the Remaining Side Until the Temperature Probe Registers 145 Degrees.
The times listed are for grilling pork chops with the lid off of the grill during spring or summer. During cool weather, you may choose to place the lid on the grill to keep the heat in the chamber.)
It takes 4-5 minutes on one side to sear any piece of meat. Prioritize searing at least one side for the best flavor, then flipping the chop and cooking until its just done.
1/2 inch pork chops | |
4-5 minutes on the first side | 1-2 minutes on the second side |
Add 2 minutes per half-inch for thick pork chops beyond this guide.
- Bone-in pork chops 4-5 minutes, 4-5 minutes
- Boneless chops 4-5 minutes, 1-2 minutes
Depending on the thickness of your pork chops, a chop can cook from 4-8 minutes on each side.
What Is The Best Temp To Cook Pork Chops

The first step to cooking the perfect pork chop is to get the right temperature. You can do this by using a meat thermometer. You should insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. Once the inside of the chop reaches 140 degrees, you should turn it over and cook for a further three minutes. Using an oven thermometer can also help you get an accurate temperature. In addition, when cooking pork chops, its important to bake them in the upper half of the oven. This helps produce a nice crust.
If you dont have a meat thermometer, you can still test the meat for doneness by poking it with a fork. But, you should avoid slicing it, as it will lose its juices and cook the meat faster. If the meat is too soft in the center, its not done. If its firm, its done.
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How To Grill Thick Pork Chops On Gas Grill
There are many ways to grill thick pork chops. One of the simplest ways is to use your gas grill. This is one of the most common grills and is great for quick cooking. To grill thick pork chops on a gas grill, place them on the grill and make sure they are not directly over the flame. When the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145 degrees, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Make sure to clean your grill after grilling the pork chops. To clean a gas grill, fill a large bowl with water and pour it over the grill. Make sure to thoroughly clean the grill afterwards. You can also make your grill look good by grilling with food that looks good. Use ingredients that you like and that will be pleasing to your guests.
Grilled Bbq Pork Chops Sides:
There are many sides that go perfectly with pork chops. When we grill, we like to make sides that can be make on the grill so it is easy cleanup. While your pork is cooking, you can prepare these amazing sides.
- Grilled Green Beans in Foil If you are looking for a quick and easy side dish that you can put on the grill, make Grilled Green Beans in Foil. This side dish takes only a few ingredients, wrap in foil and toss on the grill.
- Baked Potato on the GrillBake Potatoes on the grill is one of our favorite side dishes to make and takes less than 20 minutes to make. They are budget friendly and everyone can choose whatever toppings they want.
- White Rice We love serving a simple white rice, brown or cauliflower rice with a side of steamed vegetables. This makes a light, complete meal.
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Cook Pork Chops To 145f
So given this reality, there are some strategies to still produce perfectly grilled pork chops.
The first is the final cooking temperature. In the recent past, pork was cooked to 165°F or higher, which resulted with a plate of cardboard. The newest recommendation is for a final cooked temperature of 145°F. The meat must be held at this temperature for 3 minutes.
What a revelationjuicy pork with a hint of rosy in the middle of the chop! So, if you dont have a good instant read thermometer, invest in one.
Another Option Is Applying A Dry Rub To The Meat Before Grilling
3 Tablespoons sweet paprika1 Tablespoon freshly ground black pepper1 Tablespoon kosher salt4 boneless pork loin chops
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Ruth
Sunday 28th of July 2019
Fantastic!I used a teriyaki marinade, overnight.My husband found that 10 min on one side, and 5 minutes on the other, worked perfectly for our gas grill.Thank you! We like simple and successful.
Fred
Saturday 27th of April 2019
Juicy grilled pork chops! Great flavor ..mine cooked a bit faster so in Turing them over I needed only about 5 minutes…everyone loved them!Thank you.Wish you had a web page
I’m Charlie: military veteran, now full time food blogger. My wife Jessica and I live in New York. I’m licensed to grill. Join me for delicious recipes designed for meat lovers.About Me
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What Is The Best Cut Of Meat For Grilled Pork Chops
There are four different cuts of pork chops. The most preferable is the center cut rib chop.
Prepare Your Pork Chops With Rubs And Seasonings
Even if its just salt and pepper, I recommend seasoning your pork at least a few hours before they hit the grill. I usually season the meat the day before and let it rest in the fridge overnight. I decided to use Weber Dry Smoking Rub. Its a good general rub for all kinds of meats. I like a variety of rubs so pick out your favorite and run with it.
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What Is Medium Heat On A Grill
The medium temperature of a grill is 350°F. Use an ambient probe or your grills hood thermometer to maintain this setting. Medium-High: Medium-high allows for faster cooking, and its perfect for medium-rare food. Ingredients like juicy steaks, burgers, and skewered vegetables work well at this temperature range.
To make BBQ pork chops indoors, youll need a grill pan.
Grilling Thick Pork Chops

In order to cook a thick chop to the proper temperature, you cant just throw it on a high-heat grill. By the time the internal temp reaches 140°F for your pull temp, the entire outside of the chop will be overcooked, dry, tough, and chewy. Large cuts need a slightly slower, slightly longer cooking time. Thats where grill roasting comes in. Grill-roasting is accomplished with a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill very hot and the other without any heat.
Grill-roasting is accomplished with a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill very hot and the other without any heat.
It looks like this:
Place the chops in the indirect-heat zone, which should be in the range of about 350°F , and cook them until they reach 130°F . When the alarm on your Smoke sounds, move them to the hot side for just a minute or two to sear a few tasty grill marks onto the surface. With a Thermapen®, verify that their internal temperature has reached 140°F and no higher before removing them from heat to rest. This method yields juicy, tender pork chops that will leave a lasting impression, especially on those that have been eating overcooked pork their whole lives. Toss in a few grilled fresh apricots, and you have a dinner that celebrates not just National Grilling Month, but the whole of summer.
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Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
Pork chops have long been known as a working mans meal. Theyre economical, lean and healthy, and quick to cook. They also have a history of coming to the dinner table dry and withery as shoe leather.
But no more! Today is the day to banish that belief because tough, dried out pork chops are about to be expelled from your vocabulary.
My husband has made these simple grilled pork chops so many times hes figured out the secrets. Whether bone-in or boneless, these pork chops turn out tender, juicy, a little bit smokey, and far from any mode of foot fashion.
Even better, these grilled pork chops dont need a marinade or a brine, so they go from package to grill to dinner in 30 minutes.
Heres how to make perfectly juicy grilled pork chops every time.
How Long Does Pork Chops Take To Cook On Grill
HOW LONG SHOULD PORK CHOPS BE COOKED ON THE GRILL?
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Brine Your Pork Chops For The Juiciest Results
One of the best things you can do to increase juiciness when cooking lean meats like pork chops is brining. Brining meats helps to break down the proteins in their muscle fibers, preventing them from squeezing and drying out during cooking. The salt in the brine dissolves some of the proteins, forming a gel capable of holding on to more water. With more water and the protein structure of the meat altered, the meat will be juicier and more tender.
Plus, you can help impart a little bit of flavor to the chops by brining them, so its a real win/win.
When making the brine, I find it expedient to make it using only half the water, then adding ice to cool it and bring it to a proper dilution. Just be sure to use your Thermapen to check the temp of the brine before adding the chops. Food safety practices say that meat can be in the range between 40°F and 70°F for four hours. Getting the brine on the cool side before you put it in the fridge will ensure that you arent hanging out in that zone for too long.
Note: After you brine your chops but before you cook them, dry them well with some paper towels. A wet surface will not brown, and youll pump too much heat into the meat as you try to cook off that water. Starting with meat that has been dried off will help you get better browning without overcooking.
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How Long Do Pork Chops Take On The Grill
When preparing an outdoor grill for pork chops, youll need to heat it for two levels of heat. The chops get seared over high heat to get those gorgeous grill marks for about three minutes per side, then moved over to medium heat to finish cooking, which will take anywhere from four to seven minutes depending on the thickness of the chops. This creates a nice crust on the outside and juicy meat inside. And remember to keep the grill covered the whole time so that heat doesnt escape.
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Whats The Correct Grilling Temp For Pork Chops
No one likes dry pork chops and how to prevent them from drying out is to use a medium-hot grill rather than a grill on high heat.
Its tempting to turn that dial all the way up but dont. A more medium flame allows the pork to fully cook through before it burns on the outside which is what can happen if you use a screaming hot grill.
Lower and slower is better than hot and fast to keep your grilled pork chops nice and moist.
How Do You Cook Pork Chops On A Weber Gas Grill
The chops should be grilled over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once or twice, or until an instant-read thermometer placed into the middle of the pork chop reads 145°F . Remove the meat from the grill and set it aside for 3 to 5 minutes to cool. Warm the dish before serving.
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The Taste Of Home Test Kitchen Shares Their Expert Tips For How To Grill Juicy Flavor
When Im dreaming up my dinner menus, pork chops always fall to the bottom of the list. They take the back seat to favorites like flaky baked salmon or juicy grilled chicken. The reason? No matter what I do, I tend to overcook themleaving my meal dull, dry and desperate to be drenched in applesauce.
This is a shame, because I know pork chops can make a delicious dinner thats easy on the wallet. Its time to make a change. Expert food editor James Schend agreed to share his best tips for cooking moist, tender and flavor-packed pork chops.