What are the benefits of cooking pork chops on a grill?
Grilling pork chops allows you to add great flavor from the smoke and char while keeping the chops juicy and tender on the inside. Cooking over direct high heat helps sear the outside of the chops, locking in moisture and flavor. Grilling over an open flame also allows the fat to drip away, making pork chops a leaner choice than pan frying. Finally, grilling gives you attractive grill marks and caramelization on the surface of the chops for great presentation.
What temperature should I cook pork chops at on a grill?
The ideal temperature for grilling pork chops is between 350-450°F direct heat. This high heat is perfect for getting a nice sear while still cooking the chops through in a reasonable amount of time. Shoot for an internal temperature of 145°F for juicy, safe to eat pork.
How long does it take to grill 1-inch thick pork chops?
1-inch thick pork chops will take approximately 8-12 minutes per side to reach 145°F internal temperature on a hot grill. Use a digital instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Cook times can vary based on thickness and bone-in vs boneless. For example, bone-in chops take a bit longer than boneless.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
– Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops that are 1-2 inches thick for grilling. Thinner chops will dry out. Go for center cut chops with a nice marbling of fat for juiciness.
– Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Make sure they are at room temperature, not straight from the fridge.
– Season the pork chops liberally with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs you want. Popular options are garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder. Get creative!
– Allow the seasoned chops to sit at room temperature while you preheat your grill. This helps them cook more evenly.
2. Preheat Gas Grill to High Heat
– Turn all burners to their highest setting. Close the lid and allow 10-15 minutes for the grill to fully preheat.
– Use a grill thermometer to confirm temps of 350-450°F in the areas you’ll be cooking.
– Clean and oil the grill grates right before putting the chops on. This prevents sticking. Use a grill brush and high heat oil like avocado, grapeseed or refined coconut oil.
3. Grill the Pork Chops
– Place the chops directly over the hot grates. Resist moving them for at least 2-3 minutes to get a good sear.
– Grill for approximately 4 minutes, flip, then grill for another 4 minutes. This will give you those nice grill marks.
– If the chops flare up, move them temporarily to a cooler area of the grill.
– Continue grilling approximately 4 minutes per side, flipping only once, until an instant read thermometer inserted sideways in the thickest part reads 145°F.
– Transfer chops to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise 5-10 degrees during this time.
4. Add Smoke for Extra Flavor (Optional)
– For added smoke flavor, use wood chips or chunks. Soak wood chips in water 30 minutes. Add soaked chips or dry chunks to grill flames or dedicated smoker box per your grill’s instructions.
– Try cherry, apple, hickory or mesquite wood for flavoring pork.
– The smoke will give your grilled chops a nice infusion of smoky flavor.
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Tender Pork Chops
- Bring chops to room temp before grilling.
- Pat dry chops well and coat with oil to prevent sticking.
- Choose boneless or bone-in chops at least 1 inch thick.
- Season well with salt, pepper and spices/herbs.
- Use high heat for searing and grill marks.
- Flip only once during grilling.
- Allow chops to rest before serving.
- Check temperature using an instant read thermometer.
Common Pork Chop Questions
Should pork chops be grilled with direct or indirect heat?
You want direct heat when grilling pork chops. This high heat from all burners on high helps sear the outside of the chops while cooking them through quickly. Indirect heat is better for larger cuts like pork shoulder or tenderloin.
Should you flip pork chops often while grilling?
It’s best to flip pork chops only once while grilling. Flipping too often can cause them to dry out. Let the chops sear well on each side to get that flavorful crust.
Is marinating pork chops necessary?
Marinating is not required, but it can add great flavor and moisture when grilling. Soaking chops for 30 mins up to overnight in a marinade adds seasoning. Try olive oil, herbs, spices, vinegar, citrus, etc.
Conclusion
Grilling pork chops on a gas grill results in flavorful, juicy and tender meat when you use high heat for searing, cook to the proper internal temp and follow other essential grilling guidelines. Well-marinated and seasoned bone-in or boneless chops cooked over direct high heat develop the best char and caramelized exterior. Master these fundamental techniques for pork chop grilling success on your Power XL or any gas grill.