Great Pork Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Juicy Pork Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops Recipe for BBQ Lovers

Succulent pork chops with a robust, perfectly balanced rubbed grilled pork chops seasoning can turn an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering experience.

Seasoning blends unlock incredible flavor potential for home cooks seeking something extraordinary.

Carefully selected spices create a tantalizing crust that seals in natural juices.

Salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs dance together, promising a memorable meal.

Rich, caramelized edges hint at the deliciousness waiting on your plate.

Professional techniques ensure each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and master this delectable dish right away.

Why These Pork Rubbed Grilled Chops Are a Game-Changer

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Create a flavor explosion with this simple, bold spice rub that transforms ordinary pork chops into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
  • Master Grilling Technique: Learn an easy method to perfectly cook juicy, tender pork chops with a delicious crusty exterior that seals in all the incredible flavors.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality dinner in minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee impressive results every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Impress family and friends with a versatile dish that appeals to different taste preferences, offering a balanced blend of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy seasonings.

All You Need for Great Pork Rubbed Grilled Chops

Meat:
  • Pork Chops: Tender cuts of pork that serve as the main protein for this flavorful grilled dish.
Spice Rub Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Salt: A blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy seasonings that create a complex and delicious coating for the pork chops.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spice rub adhere to the pork chops and promotes even browning during grilling.

Grill Guide for Pork Rubbed Chops That Impress

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, getting it ready for some serious meat magic.

Step 2: Craft Your Flavor Explosion

Grab a small bowl and blend together these taste-awakening ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Step 3: Prep The Pork

Take your pork chops and give them a quick pat down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Massage them with olive oil, creating a slick surface that’ll help the spices stick like best friends.

Step 4: Dress The Meat

Generously sprinkle and press the spice mixture onto both sides of each pork chop, ensuring every inch gets coated with the flavor-packed rub.

Step 5: Sear To Perfection

Place the seasoned pork chops on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, listening for that satisfying sizzle.

You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F, which signals juicy, perfectly cooked meat.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Pull the pork chops off the grill and let them chill for 3-5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness when you slice and serve.

Sizzling Tips for Pork Rubbed Grilled Chops

  • Pat pork chops completely dry to help spices adhere better and create a perfect crust during grilling.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, ensuring juicy and safely cooked pork without overcooking.
  • Let pork chops rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on heat preference, reducing for mild taste or increasing for spicier results.
  • Experiment with different wood chips on the grill to add subtle smoky flavors that complement the spice rub.

Creative Rub Combos for Pork Grilled Chops

  • Herb-Infused Chops: Replace some spices with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an earthy Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Citrus Zest Rub: Add orange and lemon zest to the spice mix for a bright, tangy kick that brightens the pork's richness.
  • Smoky Chipotle Version: Substitute cayenne with ground chipotle pepper for a deeper, smokier heat that complements the grilled meat.
  • Asian-Inspired Marinade: Swap spice rub with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey for a sweet and savory Asian-style preparation.

Flavorful Sides for Pork Rubbed Grilled Chops

  • Pair Zesty Wines to Complement Spice Rub: Choose bold red wines like Zinfandel or Syrah that can match the smoky, spicy flavor profile of the pork chops and stand up to the robust spice blend.
  • Serve Refreshing Citrus Sides: Create a bright tangy coleslaw or orange-fennel salad that cuts through the richness of the grilled meat and balances the warm spices in the rub.
  • Match Crisp Beer Selections: Select amber ales or wheat beers with slight hoppy notes that will enhance the caramelized brown sugar and smoky paprika elements in the pork chop's seasoning.

Best Ways to Keep Grilled Pork Chops Juicy

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pork chops in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Reheat Microwave: Place pork chop on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture.

Your Pork Grilled Chops Questions Answered

  • What spices are in the pork rub?

The rub includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, creating a complex and flavorful blend that enhances the pork’s natural taste.

  • How do I know when the pork chops are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which ensures the pork is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

  • Why should I pat the pork chops dry before seasoning?

Patting the meat dry helps the spice rub adhere better to the surface and promotes better browning and caramelization during grilling.

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Great Pork Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Great Pork Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Pork Chop Rub elevates classic grilling with bold, smoky flavors that dance across your palate. Perfectly seasoned and charred, these juicy chops deliver a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Fire up the grill to a medium-high temperature around 400°F, creating an ideal searing environment for the pork chops.
  2. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic spice blend.
  3. Thoroughly pat the pork chops dry using paper towels to ensure maximum seasoning adherence and promote optimal browning.
  4. Massage olive oil onto the surface of each pork chop, creating a light protective layer that helps the spice rub cling effectively.
  5. Generously sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over both sides of the pork chops, pressing the seasonings firmly into the meat to maximize flavor penetration.
  6. Position the seasoned pork chops onto the preheated grill, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful caramelized crust forms.
  7. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness and food safety.
  8. Transfer the grilled pork chops to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut pork chops for juicier results and better heat absorption during grilling.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for different spice preferences.
  • Let spice rub sit on meat for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make pork chops tough and dry.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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