Description
Juicy, tender grilled pork loin chops ready in just 30 minutes, perfectly seasoned for a flavorful, quick meal great for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs. This simple recipe locks in moisture and enhances pork’s natural flavors with smoky paprika, garlic powder, and optional fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), for sprinkling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, for brightness
Instructions
- Prepare the Chops: Pat the pork loin chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Rub both sides with olive oil to help the seasonings stick and prevent sticking to the grill grates.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning mix on both sides of each chop, covering every inch for full flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). A hot grill is essential for quick cooking and to create appealing grill marks that add flavor and texture.
- Grill the Chops: Place the pork loin chops on the grill and cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Flip only once to develop a beautiful crust and maintain a juicy interior. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—145°F (63°C) is ideal.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chops from the grill and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute for a moist, tender bite every time.
Notes
- Choose pork loin chops about 1 inch thick to balance juiciness and quick cooking.
- Always let chops rest after grilling to keep meat moist and enhance flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked pork at 145°F (63°C).
- Brush grill grates with oil before heating to prevent chops from sticking.
- Feel free to customize seasoning with spices or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork loin chop
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg