Grilling your pork chops is the best way to make them! These grilled pork chops are marinated until they’re extra flavorful and tender, then cooked to smoky perfection. They’re sure to fly off the table at your next barbecue!
Pork chops are actually a really versatile dinner and can be prepared in many different ways. A few more of my favorite recipes are these smothered pork chops, BBQ pork chops, and Hawaiian pork chops! I know you’ll love them all.
Grilled Pork Chops With Homemade Marinade
Pork chops are a classic dinner staple, and turn out even better when they’re grilled! Grilled pork chops are super tasty and packed with flavor, especially when you use this awesome homemade marinade recipe. It’s got soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper, which all come together to make these chops seriously delicious. When you throw those marinated pork chops on the grill, they get this amazing charred outside that locks in all the juiciness and tenderness. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Grilling is hands-down the best way to cook pork chops because it gives them that perfect combo of smoky and slightly crispy goodness. When you grill them, the heat sears the meat fast, giving it a yummy crust while keeping it moist and juicy inside. Plus, you get that awesome smoky flavor that adds a little something extra. (Not to mention the grill marks it leaves on the chops make them look even more appetizing.) So, fire up that grill and get ready for some seriously tasty pork chops that the whole family will love!
Ingredients Needed
This is everything that you will need for the grilled pork chops and homemade marinade. The flavor of the sauce is seriously the best! It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Soy Sauce: This stuff brings a savory and salty kick to the marinade and pork chops. To switch up the flavor, you can also use Worcestershire sauce or even teriyaki sauce as a tasty substitute.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the marinade. The acidity also helps to make the pork chops nice and tender.
- Brown Sugar: Sweeten things up a bit with brown sugar. It adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness to the marinade and helps create a nice crust on the grilled chops. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even regular white sugar as a substitute.
- Garlic: This little powerhouse adds a punch of savory flavor to the marinade.
- Dijon Mustard: This tangy and zesty ingredient adds a kick to the marinade. If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, you can try using regular yellow mustard or spicy mustard instead. They’ll still give your pork chops a nice tangy flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: Add a little heat and earthiness with ground black pepper.
- Pork Chops: Look for bone-in pork chops that are about 1 inch thick for the juiciest and most flavorful results. If you can’t find bone-in chops, boneless pork chops will work too. Adjust the grilling time accordingly, as boneless chops might cook a bit faster. And remember, thicker cuts are better to keep those chops nice and tender!
How to Make Pork Chops on the Grill
It’s time to fire up the grill and get ready for a mouthwatering feast with some juicy pork chops. Trust me, you’ll want to make them all summer long!
- Whisk Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic, dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Add Marinade and Pork Chops to a Bag: Pour your marinade into a large ziplock bag and place all your pork chops into the bag. Allow them to marinade for at least 1 hour.
- Heat Up Grill: Heat your grill up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while the pork chops marinate.
- Grill Pork Chops: Once the pork chops are ready, remove them from the marinade and grill them for about 5 minutes per side. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees fahrenheit.
- Rest: Remove the grilled pork chops and let them rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Discard Marinade: Discard your used marinade.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
Before you fire up the grill, let’s explore some creative ways to make your grilled pork chops shine and create a memorable dining experience for everyone to enjoy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure juicy and tender grilled pork chops, be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry meat, so use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit which is the recommended safe temperature for pork.
- Allow Plenty of Time to Marinate: Let the pork chops marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, marinating them overnight in the refrigerator can intensify the flavors and make them even more delicious.
- Switch Up Your Sauce: Experiment with different marinade variations by adding ingredients like honey, ginger, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs like rosemary or thyme. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences and get creative with flavors that you enjoy.
- Serve With: Serve grilled pork chops with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Classic options include grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob. You can also pair them with rice pilaf or roasted sweet potatoes for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Let Rest: Don’t forget to let the grilled pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final dish.
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve grilled your pork chops, you can keep them in the refrigerator for around 3 to 4 days. Just pop them into an airtight container or wrap them up tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Can I Freeze Grilled Pork Chops?
Yes! Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw and then make sure to heat them up until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe.
More Grilled Favorites
I love grilling season! If you’re looking to add new recipes into the mix, these are definitely the ones to try. For more summer BBQ inspiration, find my full list of grilling recipes here.
Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 pork chops bone in and 1 inch thick is best
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic, dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Pour your marinade into a large ziplock bag and place all your pork chops into the bag. Allow them to marinade for at least 1 hour.
- Heat your grill up to 400 degrees fahrenheit while the pork chops marinade.
- Once the pork chops are ready, remove them from the marinade and grill them for about 5 minutes per side. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Discard your used marinade.