Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe includes a marinade that combines acid, sugar, salt and oil to infuse the chops with incredible flavor and moisture. You can easily eyeball the ingredients and still achieve fantastic results!

These are the most juicy Grilled Pork Chops!

I think grilled pork chops are best when they are marinated first, and this marinade brings together acid, sugar, salt and oil to infuse the chops with flavor and moisture.

The versatile set of ingredients in this mouthwatering marinade results in a pork chop that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

There’s soy sauce for the salt element in the marinade, but the end results are NOT pork chops that taste Asian-inspired.

There’s brown sugar, but the chops aren’t too sweet. There’s red pepper flakes, but they’re not too spicy.

The final product is simply perfectly juicy, satisfying grilled pork chops that you’ll want to make all year long. Let’s dive in.

Grilled Pork Chops ingredients

• pork chops – like my pork chops with applesauce, the recipe below was developed with bone-in pork chops, because I think they make the most flavorful and juicy grilled pork chops.
• olive oil – acts as the base of the marinade, providing moisture, and ensuring the chops don’t stick to the grill.
• garlic – adds a pungent and aromatic kick to the marinade.
• dark brown sugar – adds sweetness to the marinade and balances out the tangy elements.
• soy sauce – acts as the salt for the marinade and contributes a rich umami flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• cider vinegar – also helps tenderize the meat and adds a zingy tanginess.
• red pepper flakes – adds just a hint of spiciness to this grilled pork chops recipe, but not too much.

Grilled Pork Chop substitutions and additions

• CHOPS – You can also use the same marinade for boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin, but the grilling time will vary for different cuts.
• OIL – olive oil adds the most flavor, but vegetable or canola oil can be used as a cheaper alternative.
• BROWN SUGAR – light brown sugar also works just fine!
• VINEGAR – if you don’t have cider vinegar, you could use regular distilled white vinegar, or red wine vinegar.
• SPICE – if you don’t prefer red pepper flakes, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce for heat, or leave the spice element out altogether.
• HERBS – if you happen to have any fresh herbs on hand, like rosemary, thyme or parsley, chop them up and add them to the marinade!

How to make Grilled Pork Chop Marinade

1. Mince the garlic, but don’t worry about it being too perfect. It’s just a marinade!
2. Put the garlic in a bowl, and add the rest of the marinade ingredients.
3. Whisk it all up until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Place your pork chops in either a shallow baking dish or a zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the chops. Turn the chops over a few times to make sure the marinade is fully coating the meat.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

How to cook the Best Grilled Pork Chops

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, and discard any leftover marinade.
3. Transfer the pork chops to the grill and cook for about 10 to 14 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chop reaches 145 degrees F for medium doneness. Turn the chops occasionally during cooking.
4. Transfer the chops to a platter and let them rest 5 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

How to serve this Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Serve these chops alongside a fresh garden salad with creamy salad dressing for a light and wholesome meal.

Cheese mashed potatoes or homemade mashed potatoes with heavy cream make great grilled pork chops sides for a comfort food combination.

Drizzle this grilled pork chop recipe with balsamic glaze or chimichurri for an extra burst of flavor.

How to store Juicy Grilled Pork Chops

If you have any leftover grilled pork chops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or in a skillet until warmed through.

Grilled Pork Chops FAQs