How To Cook Pork Chops

These delicious grilled Cilantro Garlic Pork Chops take just a few minutes of prep and makes for a perfect weeknight meal. We’ll walk you step-by-step through exactly how to cook pork chops. {Recipe first posted August 16, 2013 and last updated, February 28, 2022}

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Even though we are working towards eating a mostly plant based diet the one thing that never fails to kick in those meat cravings are pork chops.

At our house, pork chops are sacred. The term “breakfast pork chop” is common on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Over the years we’ve cooked so many pork chops that we’ve discovered a few important things to get them perfectly juicy and not dry and tough as shoe leather. We think the grill is the way to go and absolutely love this simple cilantro-garlic marinade.

Keep reading for our step-by-step on how to cook pork chops that turn out tender and super flavorful every time!

Why You Must Try This Recipe

So simple. Just a few basic pantry staples and about 20 minutes of marinating time is all you need to make the perfect grilled pork chops.

Megawatt Flavor. The cilantro-garlic marinade infuses the pork with amazing flavor but also helps insure it’s juiciness.

More Pork Recipe To Explore

How To Make Mexican Chorizo From Scratch

Pozole Rojo {Pork and Hominy Stew}

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Ingredients

Look for thick-cut chops to ensure juiciness. Try to purchase the highest-quality pork you can afford for ultimate flavor.

• Bone-in pork chops. You can use boneless chops but the cooking time will be much quicker.
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

How To Cook Pork Chops

This is the method for how to grill pork chops. If you are looking for a baked pork chops recipe check out this Pork Chops with Cranberries and Pears recipe that I developed for Better Homes and Gardens.

step one

Make marinade. Blend all the marinade ingredients together in a food processor. Or chop by hand if you’d prefer.

step two

Season pork. Place pork chops in a dish large enough that they can sit in a single layer. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

step three

Marinate pork chops. Pour marinade over pork chops and coat both sides well. Marinate at least 20 minutes but best if you can give it an hour. If you are going to marinate them longer than 20 minutes, cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before you plan on grilling them.

step four

Grill pork chops. Cook the pork over medium high heat until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chop registers 140°F. The cooking time will vary depending on how thick your pork chops are but I usually grill them about 4-5 minutes per side.

step five

Serve! Let pork chops rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Store in an airtight container any leftover pork chops for up to 5 days.

The Best Pork Chop Seasoning

In our opinion this simple combination of cilantro, garlic, and lemon juice along with some salt and pepper is the perfect pork chop seasoning. But if cilantro isn’t your thing, try a dry rub!

I really like this homemade dry rub from Foodiecrush that has brown sugar and smoked paprika but you could also use a store-bought BBQ spice too.

Pro Grilling Tips

If you are new to grilling there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure success.

1. Whether you are using a gas or charcoal grill, give the grill time to heat up. Your grill should be about 350° to 450°F degrees before you put the chops on.
2. Make sure the grates are clean before you put the meat on the grill. Clean, hot grates will prevent the meat from sticking.
3. Turn the pork chops only once during cooking. Put them on and leave them alone for at least 4 minutes to get deep, dark grill marks.
4. Grill with the lid closed. Put the pork chops on then close the lid. This will prevent flair ups and create a more even temperature. Turn the pork chops after about 4 minutes and close the lid again until they are done cooking.

What to serve with them

• Sweet Potato Nachos with Smoked Cheddar
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Best EVER Canned Black Beans Recipe
• Veracruz-Style Hominy
• Crock Pot Borracho Beans {Frijoles Borrachos}
• Grape-Roasted Beet Salad with Serrano Pepper Dressing
• Papas con Chile {Crispy Potatoes in Red Chile Sauce}

Now That You Know How To Cook Pork Chops

You’ll be making them every night, right?! This seriously simple recipe comes out perfect every time, I know you will be as obsessed with them as we are. Let me know when you make it by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

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