Grilled Pork Chops with Two-Melon Salsa Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long to cook 2 pork chops on the grill? ›

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400 degrees) 20 minutes prior to grilling. Place pork chops on grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Move pork chops to indirect heat (or lower temp to medium) and cook for 8-12 more minutes, flipping once, or until pork chops reach 145 degrees F.

For the most tender pork chops, marinate the pork (or let them sit with the rub) for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Let the Meat Come to Room Temperature Prior to Grilling. If you throw the meat on the grill cold, by the time the inside comes to temperature, the outside will be overcooked.

“Oven-baking followed by broiling is an excellent option for preparing bone-in pork chops,” says Rojas.” Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and letting pork chops come to room temperature. Place pork chops on a baking sheet and allow to cook until a meat thermometer reaches 145 degrees.

Rib chops, center-cut chops, and bone-in chops tend to be juicier. 2. **Brine the Chops:** Soak the pork chops in a brine solution (water, salt, and sugar) for about 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling. This adds moisture and flavor to the meat.

Thin pork chops typically take 8 minutes to cook (4 minutes of searing on each side). Thick pork chops typically take about 20 minutes to grill to perfection - 8 minutes of searing over direct heat, plus 12 minutes of finishing over indirect heat.

On their own, pork chops are a lean, bland cut of meat. Seasoning with salt before cooking is an essential step in bringing out the meat's natural flavors. Season generously, and remember that even a very short brine (just 30 minutes) will improve the taste and texture of the meat.

Ingredients for Bone-In Pork Chops on the Grill

We prefer bone-in pork chops because the bone adds flavor and moisture to the finished pork chop. Olive Oil – to keep the chops from sticking, you'll need about 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Sea Salt – we're keeping the seasoning really simple here.

Information. Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination.

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

Why are my grilled pork chops tough? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Brine the pork chops prior to grilling to help them retain moisture. These grilled pork chops are brined in pickle juice, which makes them extra tender and juicy. The vinegar in pickle juice helps break down the proteins prior to cooking, so they don't become tough.

Tender Grilled Pork Chops

Mix olive oil, soy sauce and steak seasoning together in a small bowl. Add the pork chops to a large ziploc bag or flat dish and pour the marinade ingredients over the top. Refrigerate and marinade for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side. Transfer skillet immediately to the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the chop reaches 145 degrees, about 15 minutes. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 Degrees F. Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will generally take 20 to 30 minutes.

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.