Zesty Lemon Pepper Grilled Pork Chops
These Zesty Lemon Pepper Grilled Pork Chops are marinated to perfection, making them an easy yet flavorful weeknight dinner option. In this recipe, a vibrant mixture of light soy sauce, vegetable oil, and zesty lemon pepper seasoning infuses the pork with a delightful tang. Perfectly grilled to achieve a juicy and tender texture, these chops can be prepped hours in advance, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free evening after a long day at work. Once you taste the combination of bright lemony flavors and savory garlic, you'll have a new favorite on your dinner rotation!
6
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/2 cup (none)
light soy sauce
1/3 cup (none)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (none)
lemon pepper seasoning
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
2, minced (minced)
pork loin chops
6 (fat removed)
Instructions
1
In a deep bowl, combine water, light soy sauce, vegetable oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
2
Add the pork loin chops to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.
4
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off.
5
Place the chops on the grill and cook for approximately 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For chops thinner than 3/4 inch, grill for 5-6 minutes per side; for thicker chops, grill for 6-7 minutes per side.
6
To ensure even cooking, rotate each chop 45 degrees after 2 minutes on each side.
7
Check for doneness by looking for juices pooling on the upper surface and cooking until it appears halfway done. Avoid over-grilling to keep the chops tender and juicy.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
1.67g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Pepper Grilled Pork Chops?
They are pork loin chops marinated in a mixture of light soy sauce, vegetable oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic, then grilled to a juicy and tender finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
You should marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup light soy sauce, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 pork loin chops with the fat removed.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly grease the grill grates before cooking.
How long do I grill thinner pork chops?
For chops thinner than 3/4 inch, grill them for 5-6 minutes per side.
How long do I grill thicker pork chops?
For thicker chops, grill them for 6-7 minutes per side.
What is the total estimated grilling time?
The total grilling time is approximately 15 minutes.
Why should I rotate the chops 45 degrees while grilling?
Rotating the chops 45 degrees after 2 minutes on each side ensures even cooking and creates professional grill marks.
How can I tell when the pork chops are done?
Check for juices pooling on the upper surface and cook until the meat appears halfway done before flipping.
Can I prep this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prep the marinade and submerge the chops hours in advance or the night before.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 1.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
How many main ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: water, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and pork chops.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
No, the fiber content for this recipe is null or negligible.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No sugar content is listed for this recipe.
Should I keep the excess marinade?
The instructions suggest allowing excess marinade to drip off before placing the chops on the grill.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features bright lemony flavors combined with savory garlic and a tangy marinade.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the marinade.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for light soy sauce to achieve the desired flavor balance.
What oil is recommended for the marinade?
Vegetable oil is the recommended oil for this marinade.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, while it requires marinating, the actual cooking time is fast, making it a quick weeknight dinner option.
How do I ensure the meat stays tender?
To keep the chops tender and juicy, avoid over-grilling them.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pork chops, grilled pork, easy dinner, marinated pork, barbecue, lemon pepper, quick meal, and healthy cooking.
What is the recommended preparation for the pork chops?
The pork loin chops should have the fat removed before being placed in the marinade.