Italian Herb-Infused Grilled Pork Chops
These Italian Herb-Infused Grilled Pork Chops are a delightful way to elevate your weeknight dinner. Marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, zesty red onions, and aromatic herbs, these juicy pork chops are grilled to perfection for a deliciously smoky finish. Perfect for summer barbecues or an intimate family dinner, this recipe not only brings a rich Italian flair but also bursts with flavor in every bite. Serve these chops with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plum tomatoes
3/4 lb (diced)
Red onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Pork chops
4 (1 inch thick)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine diced plum tomatoes, diced red onion, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3
Drain the excess liquid from the tomato mixture and pour it over the pork chops in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, ensuring that the chops are well-coated.
4
Marinate the pork chops in the mixture for an additional 15 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill.
7
Cook the chops for approximately 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear.
8
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and immediately spoon the reserved tomato mixture over the top for added freshness and flavor.
9
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful taste of Italian herbs in every bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Herb-Infused Grilled Pork Chops?
These are pork chops marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, red onions, and aromatic herbs, then grilled to a smoky finish.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need plum tomatoes, red onion, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and four 1-inch thick pork chops.
How long does it take to marinate the pork chops?
The pork chops should be marinated for 15 minutes after the tomato mixture has sat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What is the recommended internal temperature for grilled pork chops?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be considered safely cooked and juicy.
How long should I cook the pork chops on the grill?
Cook the pork chops for approximately 6 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While fresh basil provides the best aromatic flavor, you can substitute with dried basil using about one teaspoon instead of the tablespoon of fresh.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of diced plum tomatoes for their firm texture and rich flavor.
Do I need to preheat the grill?
Yes, preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the pork chops on the grates.
What should I do with the tomato mixture after grilling?
Once the pork chops are transferred to a serving platter, spoon the reserved tomato mixture over the top for added freshness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What side dishes go well with these pork chops?
Serve these chops with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for summer barbecues due to its smoky grilled finish and fresh ingredients.
How do I prepare the garlic for the marinade?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the tomato and herb mixture.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar to provide a zesty acidity.
How thick should the pork chops be?
The recipe recommends using pork chops that are 1 inch thick for optimal grilling results.
Should the tomato mixture be drained?
Yes, you should drain the excess liquid from the tomato mixture before using it to coat the pork chops for marination.
Is this recipe considered an easy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a family-friendly meal that can be prepared relatively quickly.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifies red onion for its color and sharp flavor, but white or yellow onions can be used as a substitute.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the tomato mixture.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to combine diced plum tomatoes, red onion, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, both salt and pepper should be added to the marinade mixture to taste.
Can I cook these pork chops if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can sear and cook them in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat as an alternative to grilling.
How do I know the pork is finished cooking?
In addition to the internal temperature of 145°F, the juices should run clear when the meat is pierced.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this savory pork chop recipe.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Pork.
Can I marinate the pork chops for more than 15 minutes?
Yes, for a deeper flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses fresh vegetables, lean pork, and olive oil, making it a nutritious option for a family meal.
What is the main herb used in the infusion?
Fresh basil is the primary aromatic herb used to give the dish its Italian flair.
How much red onion should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced red onion.
Should I serve the pork chops hot?
Yes, for the best taste and texture, serve the pork chops hot immediately after spooning the tomato mixture over them.