Garlic Lemon Grilled Boneless Pork Chops
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Grilled Boneless Pork Chops are juicy chops that require little prep time. They are marinated in garlic and lemon marinade and grilled for a quick and easy dinner.
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I always say the simplest ingredients can create the most delicious meal, and this recipe can attest to that. Made with fresh ingredients, these juicy pork chops are tender and flavorful every time! It’s one of those easy recipes that everyone will love.
Why you will love these grilled pork chops
- It’s a quick and easy recipe! There are only five ingredients, and the pork chops cook quickly on the grill.
- Flavor! The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano brings out the rich flavor of the pork.
- It’s versatile! While this recipe is perfect for grilling, you can pan-sear it or use a grill pan
Here is what you will need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this grilled pork chops recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh oregano
- Garlic
- Boneless pork chops (1/2 inch thick)
- Lemon slices for garnish – optional
How to make grilled marinated pork chops
Prepare the Ingredients: Mix the marinade ingredients (crushed garlic clove, olive oil, lemon juice and oregano) in a small bowl.
STEP 1: Place the pork chops into a ceramic or glass bowl and pour the marinade over the top. Cover and marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator. Remove the boneless chops from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking so they will be room temperature before grilling.
STEP 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Pat the pork chops with a paper towel before adding them to the grill. Cover and cook the pork chops for 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce to medium heat and flip the chops over once they no longer stick to the grill (about 3 – 5 minutes longer) until they reach 145 degrees f.
STEP 3: Flip the pork chops, and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes longer or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Remove the chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tip! The chops in this recipe are on the thin side, if they are thicker cooking time will be longer; for best results use an Instant Read Thermometer from Thermoworks for perfectly cooked meat!
Ingredient notes and substitutions
The complete list of ingredients to make this great recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.
Pork chops – I like to use 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick boneless pork chops because they cook quickly. You can also use thicker chops, bone-in pork chops or pork tenderloin, keep in mind these cuts may take longer to cook.
Fresh oregano & garlic – Although fresh ingredients taste best, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in place of fresh herbs.
Grilled pork skewers – Instead of pork chops, cut the chops into cubes, marinate and thread onto skewers with zucchini, red onions and cherry tomatoes.
Chicken – Instead of pork chops use boneless or bone in chicken breasts or thighs.
Marinade – This lemon garlic marinade is our favorite marinade for pork chops, it is made with simple ingredients that add a ton of flavor that goes perfectly with mild tasting pork. Feel free to switch it up with a honey balsamic or cilantro lime marinade.
You can also swap the lemon juice for an equal amount of vinegar or create your own dressing. Just make sure to include something acidic (citrus juice or vinegar) to help tenderize the meat.
Serving suggestions
Serve these juicy chops garnished with fresh lemon zest, fresh parsley, fresh oregano or lemon slice with sauteed broccoli rabe, roasted brussels sprouts, brussels sprouts salad, air-fried eggplant, or steamed broccoli.
Other tasty sides for these chops are baked potato or roasted smashed garlic potatoes.
If you want to keep it simple, some cold side dishes like arugula salad with pistachios, chopped salad or Mexican macaroni salad are also good ideas.
How to store leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Pork Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F, or on top of the stove.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover Mediterranean pork chops taste delicious leftover in a salad, sauteed in a pan with zucchini and red pepper strips, or in a sandwich.
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Tips for making the best-grilled pork chops
- The actual cook time can vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Pork chops are cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- For best results, brush a little olive oil onto the grill grates before adding the chops to prevent the meat from sticking.
- If the meat sticks to the grill after 4 minutes, cook a little longer until the chops release easily.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving which will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
You might also like these healthy recipes
- Oven-Baked Pork Chops with Vegetables
- Cinnamon Coffee Rubbed Pork Chops
- Slow Roasted Pork with Apple Puree
- Pork Chops with Apples and Sauerkraut
- Broccoli Walnut Pesto Sauce
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Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Mediterranean Pork Chops – Grillled or Baked
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra vrigin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon oregano fresh chopped
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 pound boneless pork chops 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
Instructions
- Mix the marinade ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 clove garlic together in a small bowl for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the grill, cover them and cook until they no longer stick to the grill and turn golden on the side facing the flames, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Flip the pork chops and cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees f.
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Skillet – Oven Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 375.
- Pre-heat 2 teaspoons olive oil a skillet. Once the oil is hot take the pork chops from the marinade and place them into the hot skillet. Cook them until they begin to turn golden (about 5 minutes).
- Flip them over and cook them on top of the stove for 5 minutes longer.
- Place the skillet into the oven and bake at 375 until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 (about 5 to 10 minutes)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
Recipe FAQs
You can freeze uncooked and marinated pork chops for up to three months. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight. Freezing cooked Mediterranean pork chops is not recommended.
Yes, you can quickly adapt this recipe for indoors. You can pan-sear the marinated pork chops or cook them on a grill pan.
Some say boneless pork chops are dry and tough, I disagree. If you take boneless pork chops off the grill once they reach 145 degrees, you will have tender and juicy pork chops without having to fight with the bones.
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