Easy Grilled Pork Chop Recipe – Enjoying The Taste Of Summer

Summer is here and a lot of us are cooking more and more outdoors. This grilled pork chop recipe is just one of the reasons too. Pork chops are one of those underrated cuts of meat, that some people avoid or eat when they have to.

Pork chops are a lean cut of meat. They easily become dry and chewy if overcooked. When cooked right though they are a great tasting entree. Pork chops are a great option if you are short on time, or even on a budget. As much as we would like to. Not all of us can afford to eat steak and brisket every night.

Getting Started

To start off with we are going to throw this in a quick brine to help keep it tender and juicy. Brining is not required but it is helpful believe it or not. When you submerge meat into the brine solution of salt and water (for example). It helps to get the flavor into the meat. You are literally seasoning it inside and out. The salt in the brine is also serving a second purpose. Salt will transform the proteins and fats of the meat to help break them down and retain more moisture

Easy Brine

I actually have 2 different brines I use. Which one I use depends on how much of a hurry I am in. We will discuss the normal brine I use if I was able to plan it out properly. It is a basic mix of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. I add other things depending on my mood but these are the basic ingredients.

1-2 Hour Brine

This brine is what I use if I am soaking for 1-2 hours. It is normally used for planned cooks. When I know I am going to be cooking pork chops in advance.

Put 1 quart of water (4 cups) into a pan and add the 1/2 cup of Kosher salt and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. I will bring these to a medium boil on the stove stirring once or twice.

Once it has reached a boil normally takes 3-4 mins I will turn off the stove and move the pan to a safe spot away from the stove or at least to an area of the stove not being used.

I will then add the last 1 quart of cold water (4 cups) to the pan and stir it in.

You now need to let it cool down. I normally let it sit out for an hour or so before use. Sometimes it is a little faster to put it in the fridge once the pot has cooled down enough that you can move it without burning yourself or damaging anything.

Once everything is cooled down I will place the pork chops in the brine solution

• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

If you made enough brine solution to cover the pork chops in the pot then you can just place it in the fridge. Otherwise, you can use a gallon resealable bag. Place pork chops in the bag along with as much brine as you can fit in it. Gently squeeze out any excess air. Seal and place in the fridge.

Then leave in 1-2 hours your choice. I try to never go over 2 hours. with pork chops.

15 min-30 min Brine

This is the method I use when it’s more of a last min cook. Got home from work late and need a quick easy tasty meal. Also the one I use the most with pork chops.

It is just a 15-30 min brine. Basically, I’ll get the pork chops in the brine and then a few mins later get the grill started…

Put 2 quart of water (8 cups) into a pan or bowl ( just make sure it is large enough) and add the 1 cup of Kosher salt and 1 cup of brown sugar.

No need to heat the brine on this method.

Then stir it together. Trying to get the kosher salt and brown sugar dissolved the best you can. Then place the pork chops into the brine. I normally just place them in the bowl or pan I made the brine in. This is normally just a 15-30 min soak. If the pork chops have been sitting out for any length of time then you can place them in the fridge. Normally though I just let them sit out while the grill is warming up.

Just A Bit More Seasoning

Pull the pork chops out of the brine. Pat them dry with a few paper towels.

Apply a light coating of olive oil to the pork chops.

I will then sprinkle some pepper and BBQ rub on them (make sure rub does not have salt in it). Here just season to your liking.

The BBQ/Pork rub is optional as well. These are great with just the salt brine and pepper. The pork rub will just add another flavor.

Time to start Grilling

The grill is up to Temp. I have it set at med-high. Its running at 400° F. Place them on the grill

After 7-8 mins I will come back out and flip them

After 6 Mins or so I will come out and check the pork chops. You want to cook them to an internal temperature of 145°F. I normally pull them once they hit 140°-143°f. Since they will normally cook a few more degrees while resting. The best way to check is with a good thermometer

Once you get them to 145° F Take them off the grill and it’s time to let them Rest.

Quick Grill Pork Chop Recipe

Finishing up

Let them rest for 5 mins and they are ready to eat

These are easy to make juicy and taste pork chops. The longest part is the brine.

The 1 hour brine will give the best results,but if in a time crunch the 15 min brine works great as well. To be honest I use the 15 min brine more than the 1 hour.

Any question or comment would love to hear them

Thanks