Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Best Grilled Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 0.5 cup water; 0.33333334326744 cup light soy sauce; 0.25 cup vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 6 boneless pork loin chops, trimmed of fat

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Grilled pork chops are an all-time favorite when it comes to summer grilling, offering tender, juicy meat packed with flavor. Here's a simple and effective recipe to get perfectly grilled pork chops every time.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below for an easy and mouthwatering grilled pork chop experience.

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup light soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
2 teaspoons minced garlic
6 boneless pork loin chops, trimmed of fat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a deep bowl, combine water, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork Chops

Add the pork chops to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to soak into the meat.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent the pork chops from sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Pork Chops for Grilling

Remove the pork chops from the marinade, shaking off any excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade to avoid contamination.

Step 5: Grill the Pork Chops

Place the pork chops on the preheated grill. Grill the chops for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they are no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop should read 145F (63C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and serve hot. Enjoy your perfectly grilled pork chops!

What to Serve with Grilled Pork Chops

If you're looking for delicious side dishes to serve with your grilled pork chops, here are some great options:

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Spicy Peach Coleslaw
Greek-Style Lemon Roasted Potatoes

How to Store Leftover Grilled Pork Chops

If you have any leftovers, store the pork chops in an airtight or wrap them tightly in foil. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 380
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 1254mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 41g
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 728mg

Community Feedback

Laura says, "These were absolutely delicious! I marinated the pork chops for three hours, grilled them, and my husband kept saying, These smell amazing. They were so juicy and flavorful."

Racowin shared, "Very juicy and flavorful! We had one pork chop leftover, and it was still juicy after reheating it! This will definitely be a new go-to recipe for us!"

Connor Robison, a beginner griller, says, "This recipe was fun, easy, and simple to do. My first-ever grilled pork chops were a hit with the family!"

Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Origin and History of Grilled Pork Chops

The grilled pork chop is a beloved dish with roots deeply entrenched in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest and South. The history of grilling pork can be traced back to the early settlers of the United States who adopted the practice of outdoor cooking, a tradition brought over by European immigrants. Grilling over an open flame was a practical and flavorful method to cook meat, which was abundant in the form of pork. Over time, grilling evolved into a precise culinary art, and today, pork chops, seasoned with marinades like soy sauce and lemon pepper, have become a classic American BBQ dish.

Regional Variations

Grilled pork chops are enjoyed all across the United States, but the way they are prepared and seasoned can vary from region to region. In the South, for example, pork chops are often marinated with a combination of vinegar-based sauces and spices to reflect the region's love for tangy and bold flavors. On the other hand, in the Midwest, where grilling is a year-round activity, pork chops might be paired with sweeter marinades, such as apple cider vinegar and honey, to complement the natural sweetness of the meat.

How This Recipe Differs from Similar Dishes

While grilled pork chops are a staple in many households, this recipe stands out due to its unique marinade. The blend of soy sauce, lemon pepper, and garlic gives the pork chops a savory yet citrusy punch, making them more flavorful and juicy compared to other traditional pork chop recipes. In comparison to the more common BBQ pork chops, which typically use ketchup or tomato-based sauces, this recipe keeps the flavors simple and clean, focusing on the natural taste of the meat. This difference in marinade helps the pork chops maintain a tender texture while being less greasy than BBQ-style pork chops.

Where to Serve Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. They are a popular choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, and festive dinners. Youll often find them served at outdoor gatherings, accompanied by side dishes like creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables. Their popularity extends beyond casual meals, as they are also frequently found on restaurant menus, where chefs often pair them with gourmet sides or dress them up with sauces such as apple chutney or spicy mustard. The simplicity of grilled pork chops makes them a crowd-pleaser at both casual and formal events.

Interesting Facts About Grilled Pork Chops

Pork chops are one of the most versatile cuts of pork, able to be grilled, roasted, or pan-fried, making them a favorite for many cooking styles.
The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145F (63C) to ensure it is safe to eat while keeping it tender and juicy.
In the U.S., pork was historically a key source of protein for many households, particularly in rural areas, where raising pigs was more common than raising cattle.
The marinade in this recipe, made from soy sauce, garlic, and lemon pepper, mirrors some of the flavors found in Asian cuisine, showcasing how grilling techniques can incorporate a wide variety of flavor profiles from different cultures.
Grilled pork chops are not just a summertime favorite; they can also be enjoyed year-round, especially when using indoor grills or stovetop grilling methods.

FAQ about Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

For best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours. If you have more time, marinating for up to 8 hours will enhance the taste even further.

Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless. However, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, and the pork should no longer be pink in the center.

Grilled pork chops pair well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. For something with a bit of a twist, try creamy cucumber tomato salad or Greek-style lemon roasted potatoes.

Store leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is not safe to reuse the marinade without proper precautions, as it has been in contact with raw meat. If you want to use it as a sauce, boil it for at least 3-5 minutes to kill any bacteria before using it.

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork chops ahead of time. Marinate them for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge to deepen the flavor.

To reheat grilled pork chops, it is best to use an oven or stovetop to ensure the meat stays juicy. Reheat them at a low temperature (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze leftover grilled pork chops. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

Comments

Baking Nana

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Very nice flavor. My lemon pepper seasoning has salt in it so 3 Tablespoons along with the light soy sauce would be too much salt for us. I just gently sprinkled each chop with lemon pepper seasoning and placed the chops in a freezer bag and allowed to marinate in the refrigerator all day. Cooking to 145 is just perfect for tender juicy chops.

SneakyParm4046

09/26/2023 02:47:40 AM

Delicious! I didnt have lemon pepper, so I used 2 TBSP of Orange Peel and 1 TBSP fresh cracked black pepper. I also used Olive Oil for the oil and grilled on a charcoal grill. Pork is always dry, but these were surprisingly less dry and tasty!

KAI

09/14/2019 09:31:22 PM

I liked the concept of this recipe, but the marinade struck me as being potentially bland, thin, and possibly too salty with all the soy sauce. I read other reviews and knowing my family's taste preferences (they like spicy foods), I decided to tweak the recipe a bit. Instead of water, I used several glugs of olive oil; I reduced the soy sauce by about half and added a tablespoon of sriracha (a szechuan sauce would work well, too), and a few dashes of an Asian pepper blend. For a better crust, I added a tablespoon of turbinado sugar. The resulting marinade was thicker than the recipe's and yielded about half the amount of liquid but it adhered well to the pork. I made sure to rub the marinade into the chops, too. The cut of pork chops I used were thin loin chops, so they grilled quickly (about 3 mins. per side on medium fire), and they emerged really juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. My family raved about them. So, 4 stars as written, and 5 with just a few tweaks to suit our tastes.

Bernie

12/13/2021 02:49:20 AM

Great marinade. I used lemon juice and pepper instead of the lemon pepper. Made the marinade a bit brighter. Also used peanut and sesame oil (50-50). Got compliments from the whole family.

PlushTray5366

08/07/2019 01:45:52 AM

I did not have lemon pepper so I added pepper and lemon juice. It was delicious. I have learned not to overcook pork. I grilled them for only 3 minutes/side and they were juicy. Delicious!

Allrecipes Member

08/07/2019 01:45:52 AM

I did not have lemon pepper so I added pepper and lemon juice. It was delicious. I have learned not to overcook pork. I grilled them for only 3 minutes/side and they were juicy. Delicious!

Gene

11/21/2021 07:34:05 PM

Reduced the water to 1/3 c and added about three tablespoons of maple syrup. Marinated all day, and these were AWESOME.

dougcollinssr

06/24/2023 02:54:22 PM

Really great recipe. I used the left over marinade to dribble over the pork chops while grilling. Use a little less water.

jeff

07/05/2025 01:20:04 PM

So easy, and I would rank the final product against any steak -- they're that good! Tip: Be sure to use salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning (Mrs. Dash works very well) since the soy sauce will provide plenty of salty goodness on its own.

Knoxster

04/08/2019 12:20:34 AM

I was out of lemon pepper so used Italian seasoning. Also used coconut aminos to make it Whole 30 compliant. turned out great. Even the Old Guy liked it!

Deb

05/09/2019 10:48:49 PM

I didn't have any lemon pepper, so I squeezed a fresh lemon and added fresh ground pepper instead.....it turned out amazing!

Rachel Dietzel

07/20/2025 02:34:36 PM

This was really good. I didn't give it 5 stars because I didn't make it according to the recipe. I used fresh lemon zest (1 lemon) and fresh cracked pepper because I didn't have lemon pepper seasoning. My family loved it and I will make it again. I don't know if the 3 T. of lemon pepper seasoning would be too salty, so I will make it with the fresh lemon zest and pepper again.

LivelyChai7945

06/22/2025 09:24:28 PM

Simple but delicious. Cook time and temp is key to juicy and tender meat.

digee

03/23/2025 10:20:11 PM

This was soooo good! I did have to make one substitution, as I didn't have lemon pepper seasoning. Instead, I used only one T of Adobo seasoning and about 3/4 black pepper. I marinated them in the fridge about 5 hours. Will definitely make this many more times!!!

SpeedyKelp2991

12/23/2024 10:46:12 AM

This has become my go-to recipe for pork chops on the BBQ. They are easy to prepare and very tasty. Restaruant-level choppies for little effort.

William Young

10/25/2024 04:41:37 PM

Quick, flavorful, and insanely satisfying.

Ed Harison

10/21/2024 11:47:20 PM

I added 2 tea spoon of honey

Paula's Pantry

01/05/2024 11:18:22 PM

Made this last night. Followed recipe as written. Marinated for 3+ hours. Next time I will marinate longer but I had thick chops so that may have made the difference. So very good. This is one I will put in rotation. I have found so many wonderful recipes on this site. Thanks goodeats.

Gail Tanabe

11/09/2023 06:09:57 PM

Super easy and turns out great every time.

Debbie Reeder

08/14/2023 12:14:48 PM

We love this recipe! Our pork chops are always very juicy, and the flavor it great! We also watch the internal temperature. Once it hits 145 degrees, we remove them from the grill.