Grilled Herb-Infused Garlic Pork Chops
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Grilled Herb-Infused Garlic Pork Chops, the perfect summertime dish that combines the rich taste of pork with a medley of fresh herbs and garlic. This recipe is designed for outdoor grilling enthusiasts, transforming your gathering into a gourmet experience. The marinated pork chops become tender and fragrant after soaking up a delightful blend of white wine and aromatic herbs, while the grilling process locks in the juices, providing a charred exterior and juicy interior. Serve these delicious chops with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that your family and friends will rave about for days!
6
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Center-cut pork loin chops with bone
6 (1 1/4 inch thickness)
Garlic cloves
5 (2 sliced thinly, 3 minced)
White wine (Riesling or Chardonnay)
1 cup
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
White sugar
1 teaspoon
Fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons
Fresh sage
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pork chops. Place them on a clean cutting board and, using a small sharp knife, make small slits on the sides of each chop. Insert a slice of garlic into each slit to infuse flavors during cooking.
2
In a large sealable bag, arrange the pork chops. In a blender, combine the white wine (Riesling or Chardonnay), olive oil, minced garlic, and white sugar. Blend on high until smooth, then add freshly chopped oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Blend again until the herbs are well incorporated.
3
Pour the herb-infused marinade over the pork chops in the bag, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag and marinate the chops in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
4
As the marinating time nears completion, preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat (375°F) for direct grilling. To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with olive oil.
5
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Drizzle a little olive oil on both sides and season generously with salt and pepper.
6
Place the pork chops directly on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. To achieve an attractive diamond char pattern, give the chops a quarter turn halfway through grilling on each side.
7
Continue cooking until the pork chops reach your desired level of doneness, ideally aiming for a juicy medium (145°F internal temperature). Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest under foil for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
10g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Herb-Infused Garlic Pork Chops?
They are succulent, center-cut bone-in pork chops marinated in a blend of white wine and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection for a juicy, charred flavor.
Which cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for six center-cut pork loin chops with the bone, specifically at 1 1/4 inch thickness.
What herbs are used in the marinade?
The marinade features a medley of fresh oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary.
How do you infuse the garlic into the meat?
You make small slits on the sides of each pork chop with a sharp knife and insert a thin slice of garlic into each slit before marinating.
What type of wine is best for the marinade?
A dry or semi-dry white wine like Riesling or Chardonnay is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How long should the pork chops marinate?
For optimal flavor absorption, the pork chops should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat, which is approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
It is recommended to brush the grill grates with olive oil before placing the meat on the grill.
How long do the pork chops need to cook on the grill?
The chops should be cooked for 4 to 5 minutes per side directly on the grill.
What is the target internal temperature for juicy pork?
Aim for a juicy medium doneness with an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I create a diamond char pattern on the meat?
Give the pork chops a quarter turn halfway through grilling on each side to achieve an attractive diamond pattern.
Why is it important to let the pork rest after cooking?
Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite remains moist and flavorful.
How long should the pork chops rest?
Let the cooked pork chops rest under foil for about 15 minutes before serving.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of these pork chops?
One serving provides 40 grams of protein.
Is there any sugar in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes 1 teaspoon of white sugar to help balance the flavors.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What side dishes are recommended with these chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
What kind of oil should be used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the marinade blend.
How much garlic is needed in total?
You will need 5 garlic cloves: 2 sliced thinly for the slits and 3 minced for the marinade blend.
Can I use different types of fresh herbs?
While the recipe calls for oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary, you can adjust the ratios based on your preference.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Blend wine, oil, minced garlic, and sugar until smooth, then add the chopped herbs and pulse until incorporated.
Are there carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I season the pork chops before they go on the grill?
Yes, after removing them from the marinade, drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
What thickness should the pork chops be?
The recipe specifically suggests using chops that are 1 1/4 inches thick for the best results.
How is the rosemary prepared?
The fresh rosemary should be roughly chopped before being added to the marinade.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect summertime dish designed for outdoor grilling and barbecues.
What tool do I use to make the marinade smooth?
A blender is recommended to combine the liquid ingredients and garlic into a smooth consistency.
Can I use bone-out pork chops?
The recipe specifies bone-in chops for flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless if you adjust the cooking time accordingly.