These grilled lemon herb pork chops are juicy and bursting with flavor! The tangy lemon and fresh herbs create a tasty marinade that makes the pork super delicious.
Cooking pork chops on the grill is fun, and the smell alone will make your mouth water. I love serving them with a side salad for a fresh and easy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for grilling because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too but watch the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor to the marinade. If you want, you can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point on the grill.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to the bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is a substitute, but fresh is always best.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring lots of flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs work fine – just use less, as they are more potent.
How Do You Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Pork Chops?
Getting beautiful grill marks is all about the right heat and timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high, around 400°F (204°C). This helps sear the meat and create those lovely marks.
- When placing the pork chops on the grill, don’t move them around for the first few minutes. Leave them be to let that sear happen!
- After 4-5 minutes, you can rotate the chops a quarter turn if you want cross-hatch marks, then cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until fully cooked.
Letting the pork rest for a few minutes after grilling helps keep it juicy! Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. After that, cooking on the grill will take about 10 minutes. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy delicious grilled pork chops in about 1 hour (including marination time)!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This mixture will add fantastic flavor to the pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, try to marinate them for 2-4 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the pork chops are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/204°C). A hot grill helps get those lovely grill marks and ensures a nice sear on the meat.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once marinated, take the pork chops out of the bag or dish and allow any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chops on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and show nice, brown grill marks. Remember, overcooking can lead to dry pork chops, so keep an eye on them!
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat for juicier chops. When ready, serve them with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of flavor!
And there you have it—delicious grilled lemon herb pork chops that are perfect for any meal! Enjoy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used! Just be mindful that they may cook faster than bone-in chops, so check the internal temperature around 3-4 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make the Marinade Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian option, simply substitute the pork chops with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Marinate them the same way and grill until tender. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Store leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist.
What Sides Pair Well with Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rosemary mashed potatoes. You could also serve them with rice or pasta to soak up any extra marinade!
