These grilled lemon herb pork chops are a delicious way to enjoy a juicy meal. They are marinated in a zesty mix of lemon and fresh herbs for that bright flavor.
You can almost smell the grill from here! I love serving them with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. It’s an easy dish that makes me feel like a master chef! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are fantastic because the bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. If you prefer, boneless chops or even pork loin can be a great alternative, just be mindful of cooking times.
Olive Oil: It helps to keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil can work well too.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice gives that zesty kick. You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh always tastes better. Lime juice makes for a tasty substitute, too!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley really elevate the flavor. If you don’t have these fresh, you could use dried herbs—just reduce the amount by about one-third since they’re more concentrated.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic quality. Garlic powder can be a substitute if needed, but fresh garlic is always my first choice!
How Do I Get Juicy and Flavorful Pork Chops on the Grill?
To achieve mouthwatering, juicy pork chops, marinating is key. The acid in the lemon juice helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Whisk together your marinade and allow the pork chops to sit in it for at least an hour—overnight is even better.
- Preheat your grill properly! A medium-high heat ensures a good sear without drying out the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for perfect, juicy chops.
- Allow cooked pork chops to rest a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in!
With these tips, you’ll find grilling pork chops can be both easy and delicious!
Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of active prep time and at least 1 hour to marinate (2-4 hours for best flavor). After marinating, the cooking time on the grill is about 10 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour and 20 minutes to really enjoy these delicious pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This fragrant mixture will add fantastic flavor to your pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring each one is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you can, let it marinate for 2-4 hours to really absorb those wonderful flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 204°C). Don’t forget to oil the grill grates lightly to prevent the pork from sticking!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and give them a little shake to get rid of the excess marinade (discard the used marinade). Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked meat. You should see those beautiful grill marks forming!
5. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This step is super important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious grilled lemon herb pork chops garnished with more fresh herbs and lemon wedges if you’d like. Pair them with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
These grilled lemon herb pork chops are sure to be a hit, with their juicy texture and tangy flavor. Happy grilling!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can absolutely be used! Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more potent. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops overnight will intensify the flavors even more. Just ensure they’re in a sealed bag or airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Cool the pork chops to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through, but be careful not to dry them out!
