These juicy pork chops are packed with flavor from fresh basil and garlic. Grilling them gives a nice smoky touch that makes them even more delicious!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to meal. I love serving them with a simple salad for a tasty dinner that’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using bone-in pork chops for juiciness and flavor. If you can’t find them, boneless chops work, too. Just keep an eye on cooking time since they can cook faster.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh really makes a difference!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a great kick. If you’re out, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon, but remember, it’s not quite the same.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinating and grilling. You can swap it with avocado oil or another vegetable oil if needed. Just look for oils with high smoke points for grilling.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the marinade. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled juice works well, or try vinegar for a similar tang.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks and Flavor?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but achieving beautiful grill marks and juicy meat is all about temperature and timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the pork chops on it.
- Once on the grill, resist the urge to constantly flip. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until grill marks form before flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer for precision. Pork is perfectly done at 145°F (63°C).
- Letting the chops rest for about 5 minutes after cooking helps retain their juices.
With these tips, you’ll serve up perfectly grilled pork chops every time!
Basil-Garlic Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll be grilling for about 10 minutes, making this a quick and delicious meal ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice (if you’re using it), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Use paper towels to pat the pork chops dry, as this helps them get a nice char on the grill. Place the chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the basil-garlic marinade over them, ensuring each chop is well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer they marinate, the tastier they will be!
3. Preheat and Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. When it’s hot, carefully take the pork chops out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off and discard the remaining marinade.
Now, place the pork chops on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. If your chops are thicker, they may need a little extra cooking time, so keep an eye on them!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, so your chops stay juicy and delicious!
Serve the warm pork chops garnished with extra fresh basil leaves if you’d like. Enjoy your flavorful Basil-Garlic Grilled Pork Chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used instead, but be mindful that they may cook more quickly than bone-in chops. Adjust grilling time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute it with dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but keep in mind that fresh basil offers a brighter flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Grill These Chops Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or a stovetop grill. Make sure to preheat it and cook the pork chops over medium-high heat, similar to the outdoor grilling method!