Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops - Lemon, garlic and basil-infused pork chops - perfect for summer grilling!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Raise your hand if you're giving your grill a workout already this summer! I am! I am! Correction. My husband is! My husband is! Our old grill, I knew how to operate. We got a new one about two years ago and I've never touched it. Sad face. That means, in the summer, Josh does most of the cooking. Happy face.
I've mentioned it before on the blog but he likes to call himself the "Grill Master." Now, while I still roll my eyes whenever I hear that, I will admit that he has gotten this grilling thing down to a science. One of his favorite meats to grill are thick cut pork chops. He sears them on the outside, sealing in the juices.
When you cut into them, they are the most tender and juicy chops you've ever tasted. I used fresh herbs, lemon juice and garlic to season these Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops. They turned out DIVINE and gave a fresh summer twist to the meat.
Cooking and grilling with fresh herbs in the summer is something I look forward to all winter long! During the winter I use a lot of dried herbs and seasonings and it's just not the same. This basil is from my little herb garden on the deck. I'm absolutely in love with it.
What I actually put together for the chops was a wet rub. I'm a garlic lover as you can see here in the bowl. Garlic is definitely one of the stars in this dish. I used minced. If you have time to use fresh and crush or mince your own, more power to you.
I had about 35-40 minutes to prepare dinner, which is typical for week nights, so I need simple, fast and delicious recipes. That's why you're here, too, right?
The most difficult part of the entire preparation was finding enough patience to allow the wet rub to infuse the chops. I let the rub set on the chops for about 20 minutes before Josh threw them on the grill.
And let me tell you, that 20 minutes was well worth it! These chops were seasoned perfectly. I tasted the basil, the lemon and the garlic in each and every bite. YUM! Kudos to the "Grill Master." He's done it once again!
Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut (boneless pork loin chops)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add olive oil, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well.
- Spread both sides of the pork chops with the mixture and let the chops set for about 20 minutes.
- Grill chops over direct heat for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinating Time Matters: While a 20-minute marination can infuse some flavor, for more intense flavor penetration, consider marinating the pork chops for longer, ideally for at least 1-2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors of the olive oil, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to thoroughly permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender grilled pork chop.
- Grilling Temperature Control: Ensure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature before cooking the pork chops. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F) for optimal grilling. This temperature allows for a nice sear on the outside while ensuring the pork cooks evenly and retains its juices, resulting in juicy and succulent pork chops.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked pork chops, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop to ensure accuracy. Letting the chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result when served.
Pat
I bet these have a light and fresh taste! Thanks for sharing!
Debbie
Phenomemal! Made these pork chops tonight in my cast iron skillet (due to weather!) and they were so flavorful. My husband can't wait to try them on the grill and neither can I. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe!
Sara
I'm glad you enjoyed them, Debbie! I bet they tasted incredible in your cast iron skillet. I can't wait until you and your husband put them on the grill!
Laura
I just took pork chops out of the freezer before work today. I am going to make these tonight. I am a bone-in pork chop person though so may have to adjust cooking time a little. Can't wait to try them. PS: I love your pictures! 🙂
Sara
Thanks so much, Laura and I can't wait for you to try the pork chops! Can't wait to hear how the bone-in chops turn out!
Jenna
OMG! just made these tonight and it tasted like a steak from an expensive restaurant! Thank-you so much for sharing. I usually hate pork chops but I loved these! The basil does not come thru as strong as you would expect, just juicy lemon and the garlic bits get all roasted and crunchy..,YUM
Sara
Jenna, I'm so glad you enjoyed the pork chops. The basil definitely is subtle and the lemon just gives them a wonderful flavor!
Amber
I just made these and I have to say, we loved them!! My husband raved 🙂 Thank you for sharing! The only problem I had and always tend to have, is tough chops! What am I doing wrong?
Sara
Amber, if you made them on the grill, the secret is to "sear" them on the outside, sealing in the juices and then turn the burners down a bit and let them cook slowly. Using thicker cuts of chops also works much better and believe it or not, it's okay if the chops are a "little" pink when you take them off the grill.
Laura
This looks wonderful and I'm making them tonight! Quick question- is the cup of basil leaves measured before mincing them?
Sara
After mincing, Laura. Even if it's not exactly right, it will still taste great give or take a couple basil leaves! Enjoy!
NurseKim
Made this tonight and WOW! The pork loin chops were so moist and flavorful! The hubs loved it too! Thanks for a great recipie!
Sara
You are so welcome, Kim! And so glad you enjoyed it!
Erin@Upcycled Ugly
We just made these and they were GREAT! Thanks so much for the easy, delicious recipe!
Stephanie
I usually don't like pork chops too much because they are so bland, but these look perfect! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips)
What a great recipe. I too am a garlic and basil lover. Thank you for linking up to The My Favorite Things Link Party. We are thrilled to have you.
Karly
It's hard to beat a grilled pork chop and these look wonderful! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Emily
These sound so good! I think that's what we will have for dinner. Thanks for the idea, LoL! Stopping by from Creative Spark Link Party.
Sara
They are delicious, Emily! Hope you try them!
Barbara
Oooh, these look absolutely delicious!
Sara
Thanks, Barbara! My family really enjoyed them!
Jen
These look great! I have a hard time finding good pork chop recipes, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sara
Absolutely, Jen! I have quite a few pork chop recipes on my site. You should check them out!
Steph
Oh! I have some Pork chops I was trying to figure out how to cook tonight... I think I know how now! Thanks SO much for Linking up at My Favorite Things Saturday!
Sara
If you decided to try the recipe, I hope you enjoyed, Steph! Thanks for stopping by!
Ronald Oliver
What is sum good side dishes for this recipe?
Sara
I serve these pork chops with broccoli, asparagus, corn on the cob, etc. There are so many great veggie options to pair it with. Rice, baby red potatoes or a pasta dish would be great, too!