These grilled rosemary pork chops are juicy and flavorful! The fragrant rosemary adds a lovely taste that makes every bite special. It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to impress!
I love how easy these chops are to make on the grill. Just season, cook, and enjoy! Pair them with a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops give more flavor and are juicier. If you can’t find them, boneless chops work too, but cook them for slightly less time as they can dry out quicker.
Olive Oil: It’s great for marinades, adding richness and moisture. If you’re watching calories, you can use less oil, or swap it for a light vegetable oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is recommended for the best taste, but dried can be an alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 2 tablespoons of fresh.
Honey or Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or omitting it altogether.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks and Juiciness?
The key to great grilled pork chops is maintaining a good temperature and time. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This helps with those beautiful grill marks and seals the juices inside.
- Pat the chops dry before marinating. This ensures they brown nicely when grilled.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Don’t flip too soon; wait until you see those lovely grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) to keep the pork juicy.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep them juicy and allows the flavors to settle.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled rosemary pork chops that are delicious every time!
Grilled Rosemary Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will require about 30 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for marinating. Grill time will take around 10 minutes. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour or more, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary leaves, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice and honey if you like a bit of sweet flavor. Stir everything well to combine.
2. Marinate the Chops:
Using paper towels, pat the pork chops dry to remove any moisture. Place them in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag, then pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and let the chops marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting them marinate for up to 2 hours improves the flavor.
3. Prepare to Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, take the chops out of the refrigerator and let any excess marinade drip off. You can save some of the marinade for basting if you want extra flavor during cooking.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once the grill is hot, place the pork chops on it. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes, turning only once, until the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can baste with reserved marinade during grilling if you’d like.
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Garnish each chop with a fresh sprig of rosemary, then serve with your favorite sides like steamed broccoli, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
Your grilled rosemary pork chops are now ready to be enjoyed—juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will still be delicious, but be sure to reduce the grilling time by a couple of minutes, as they tend to cook faster than bone-in chops.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinating for up to 2 hours is ideal. Just don’t exceed that time as the meat can become too soft.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Rosemary Pork Chops?
These chops pair beautifully with sides like steamed broccoli, a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with a light pasta dish to soak up the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist.