I really enjoy cooking pork chops, and I know you’ll appreciate how simple these recipes are. Today, I’m sharing two great ways to make pork chops that deliver big flavor without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re looking for that perfect smoky char from the grill or a quick, tender meal from your Instant Pot, I have some delicious ideas for you. Let’s get cooking!
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Perfect Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
These grilled pork chops come out tender and juicy every time you make them. You’ll get a lovely smoky flavor that makes them perfect for any backyard gathering or simple weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Grilling Tips
- Brining Pork Chops: A quick brine helps keep your pork chops extra juicy on the grill. You can use a simple salt and sugar solution.
- High Heat for Searing: Start your grilling with high heat to get a nice crust on the outside, then finish cooking on lower heat. This adds great texture.
- Resting Time Matters: Always let your grilled pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist.
What You Need for Grilled Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Grill Pork Chops
Step 1: Season Your Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then generously season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the seasoned chops sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.
Step 2: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 400-450°F. Make sure the grill grates are clean. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Chops Perfectly
Place the seasoned pork chops directly on the hot grill. Cook them for 4-6 minutes per side, turning once, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures they are cooked through but still juicy.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the grilled pork chops from the grill and place them on a cutting board. Loosely cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is important for keeping the chops moist. Then, serve them hot!
📝 Final Note on Grilling
For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating your pork chops for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in your favorite pork marinade before grilling. This adds even more moisture and taste.
Quick Instant Pot Pork Chops Dinner
Make incredibly tender, fall-apart pork chops in your Instant Pot in a short amount of time. This method is fantastic for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast and easy.
Key Instant Pot Tips for Pork Chops
- Searing Adds Flavor: Don’t skip searing the pork chops before pressure cooking. It creates a browned crust that adds a lot of depth to the meal.
- Deglaze the Pot: After searing, always use a little liquid (like broth) to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This prevents a “burn” notice.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing a short natural pressure release (NPR) helps prevent the pork chops from drying out and makes them even more tender.
What You Need for Instant Pot Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops
Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Remove the chops and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Deglaze
Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is important to prevent a “burn” message.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chops
Return the seared pork chops to the Instant Pot, placing them in the broth mixture. Close the lid and make sure the sealing valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, quick release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the tender pork chops and serve them immediately with your favorite sides.
📝 Final Note on the Sauce
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can remove the pork chops after cooking, then select “Sauté” mode again. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir this slurry into the liquid in the pot. Simmer until it thickens to your liking.
