Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops - Lemon, garlic and basil-infused pork chops - perfect for summer grilling!
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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.
Maggie
Great idea! Didn’t all all that much fresh basil left in my garden, so added some dry, fresh thyme and a couple finely chopped rosemary leaves, along with some fresh parsley. Served with an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. Delicious!
Wish I could add the pic I took!
Kitty H.
These look amazing? Can I prep and marinate overnight?
Sara
Yes, absolutely! Hope you enjoy them!
Debbie
These pork chops are amazing! So flavorful and tender. My family and I love them. Thank you for a great recipe.
Sara
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
regs
gonna try your recipe this dinner, thanks for sharing!
Embeya
Woooow.....I think I will look for these and try your recipe this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Dang Thai from Embeya!
Charlene
I thought I had reviewed this a long time ago, but I don't see it. So... we had raised our first-ever pigs - Berkshires, which are supposed to be the kobe steak in the pig world. Really wanted to taste the difference in the meat, and found your recipe. They were great! The marinade was not overpowering, allowing us to really taste the difference. Thanks so much.
Sara
Thanks so much for sharing, Charlene. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Chris
Delicious!
I usually buy rib chops for the flavor! This recipe made ordinary chops magical! Cooked on a charcoal grill!
Will try next time butterflying a pork tenderlon and using the same recipe!
Thank you for sharing.
Sara
So glad you enjoyed it, Chris!
Anonymous
The pork chop came out simply delicious. Even my son who dosen’t like pork loved them. I will be using this recipe a lot Thanks
Caitlin
Yum! Made these for dinner and will make them again. Good easy recipe to have in your arsenal for a quick grill out. I thought the marinade would be more fragrant and was worried it wouldn't be flavorful but it was. I did let mine marinate a couple of hours just because I had the time and figured it could only make it better, but otherwise followed the recipe to the letter. Thanks for the new weeknight meal!
Sara
Glad you enjoyed them, Caitlin! Thanks for your comment!
Linda Monteith
Is that 1 cup basil before or after chopping, seems like a lot of basil?
Sara
Before. If you want to cut down on the basil a little, feel free but it will make the marinade more fragrant overall.
Renea
Using this recipe was spot on! I followed your directions (even the 20 minute marinade time) and the pork chops were probably the best I've ever done! Maybe ever tasted! Thank you for sharing!
Sara
Isn't the 20 minute marinade time pretty incredible? I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Paulette
Love this recipe... so easy. I've been using this all summer and just made them again tonight with grilled apples and baked delicata squash.
Sara
I love that you're making the recipe your own. So glad you enjoy these, Paulette!
MJ
I am preparing them right now. Drooling just waiting for them to marinate. 15.minutes.and they will be on the grill. Thank you so much for the delicious recipe. I used my basil that I grew and I even used fresh lemon juice from fresh lemons. So excited!!
Sara
I love using fresh ingredients in the summer, too! You have me hungry! Hope you enjoyed them!
Betsy
My family loved this recipe! I was apprehensive about the lemon, but the flavor was very mild. The chops were juicy and my kids were fighting over the leftovers. Will definetely make again.
Sara
So glad you enjoyed the pork chops, Betsy!
Risa
GREAT recipe. Love them so much we made a change on the second go round. Cilantro Lime. Yes! Works wonderfully.
Sara
What a tasty twist! I love it!