These Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops are juicy and packed with flavor! The zesty lemon and fresh herbs make this dish refreshing and perfect for a sunny day.
Cooking these chops feels like a little BBQ party! I love serving them with a side of veggies—it’s a delicious way to brighten up dinner. Just remember to fire up that grill! 🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are ideal here because they are juicier and more flavorful. You can substitute with boneless chops, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster.
Olive Oil: Olive oil works great for the marinade, giving richness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or grapeseed oil can also be used, and both have high smoke points for grilling.
Lemons: Fresh lemons add brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Always aim for fresh if you can!
Herbs: I love fresh herbs for their vibrant flavor, but if they’re not available, dried herbs can stand in. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh since they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks and Juicy Chops?
To achieve those beautiful grill marks and juicy pork chops, follow these simple tips:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. It should be hot enough that you hear a sizzle when you place the chops on.
- Only flip the chops once during cooking. This helps form those nice grill marks. Avoid pressing down on the meat to keep the juices in!
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F (63°C). Remove them from the grill, and let them rest; this makes all the difference in tenderness.
Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and I recommend marinating the pork chops for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 2 to 4 hours is even better for flavor. Cooking on the grill will take about 10 minutes, plus a few minutes for resting. All in all, you can have these delicious grilled pork chops ready in about 30-40 minutes, with extra time for marinading.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This zesty marinade will add incredible flavor to the pork chops as they soak.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour—2 to 4 hours gives even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chops are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot so you can get a good sear on your pork chops.
4. Grill the Chops:
Once marinated, take the pork chops out of the refrigerator. Allow any excess marinade to drip off and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chops on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Look for those lovely grill marks!
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the grilled pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chops juicy. Serve them drizzled with any resting juices, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a beautiful touch.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled lemon herb pork chops with your favorite sides! Perfect for a summer meal. 🍋
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can work well, but they cook faster than bone-in chops, so keep an eye on them and adjust the grilling time to around 3-4 minutes per side to avoid drying them out.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for as little as 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinading times deepen the flavor, but try not to exceed 24 hours to maintain the best texture.
What Sides Pair Well with Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. For a lighter touch, try serving them with a side of quinoa or steamed asparagus. The options are endless!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their juiciness.