These juicy pork chops will become a summer (or year-round!) favorite thanks to the marinade made of just three simple ingredients.
This is pretty much the only way we cook pork chops. The pork chops are tender, flavorful and so, so juicy!.
You can use a store bought steak seasoning (like Montreal) or you can make your own.
Two tablespoons of paprika, two tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper, one tablespoon of kosher or coarse salt, one tablespoon of garlic powder, one tablespoon of onion powder, one tablespoon of coriander, one tablespoon of dill, and half a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes make up homemade steak seasoning. Combine all the spices together and store in an airtight container.
Grilling thin cut pork chops can seem daunting, as they tend to cook quickly and can dry out if you’re not careful. But with the right techniques, you can make juicy, flavorful thin cut pork chops on the grill in no time. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to grill thin pork chops perfectly.
What Are Thin Cut Pork Chops?
Thin cut pork chops are cut from the loin section of the pig, usually 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. They contain very little fat or connective tissue so they cook faster than thicker chops. While thick pork chops are prized for their juiciness thin chops are valued for their quick cooking time and tenderness when grilled properly.
Benefits of Thin Cut Pork Chops
There are a few advantages to cooking with thin cut pork chops rather than thicker chops
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Cooks faster: A thin chop cooks through in just 4-6 minutes per side. Perfect for weeknight meals.
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Easier to grill evenly: With less meat, a thin chop is less likely to end up over or undercooked.
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Absorbs more flavor: A thin cut has more surface area for marinades and spice rubs to penetrate.
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Serves more people: You can serve more chops without having a huge mound of meat.
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More affordable: Buying thin chops in bulk can save money over thicker, more expensive chops.
How to Choose Thin Cut Pork Chops
When selecting thin cut pork chops at the store, look for:
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Uniform thickness, between 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 inch thick.
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Pale pink color, with some marbling if possible. Avoid chops that look gray or brown.
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Firm, moist texture. The chops should not feel overly slimy or sticky.
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Good marbling. Some fat content will keep the chops juicy on the grill.
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Bone-in chops hold their shape better. Rib chops or center cut chops work well.
How to Grill Thin Pork Chops Perfectly
Follow these tips for grilling thin pork chops so they turn out juicy, tender and flavorful:
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Trim excess fat. Any large pieces of fat can cause flare ups. Leave about 1⁄8 inch.
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Season ahead. Rub chops with spice rub or marinate 1-2 hours before grilling. This adds lots of flavor.
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Pat chops dry. Blot with paper towels before grilling. Wet chops will steam instead of browning.
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Use medium-high heat, 350-450°F. This sears the outside without overcooking the inside.
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Place chops over direct heat. Avoid thick marinades that can cause flare-ups.
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Don’t move the chops once they hit the grill. Let them sear undisturbed to caramelize.
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Grill 4-6 minutes per side. Exact time depends on thickness. Use a meat thermometer.
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Don’t press down while grilling. This squeezes out juices. Use tongs and spatulas.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Thin Pork Chops?
The grill time for thin pork chops depends on their thickness. Follow these guidelines:
- 1⁄4 inch thick: About 4 minutes per side
- 1⁄2 inch thick: About 5-6 minutes per side
- 3⁄4 inch thick: 6-8 minutes per side
No matter the thickness, use a instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Thin pork chops are done at an internal temperature of 145°F. Let them rest 5 minutes before slicing or digging in.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to dry out thin pork chops or undercook them. Here are some common grilling mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Mistake: Chops burn or stick to the grill.
Solution: Oil the grill grates right before putting on the meat. Use tongs, don’t pierce chops.
Mistake: Chops turn out tough and dry.
Solution: Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Mistake: Chops are raw or undercooked in center.
Solution: Let chops sit at room temp before grilling so they cook evenly.
Mistake: Chops blacken or burn on outside before cooking through.
Solution: Use medium-high heat. Move to cooler part of grill if needed.
Mistake: Chops curl up and change shape on the grill.
Solution: Look for bone-in chops, which hold their form better.
Marinade and Rub Ideas
One of the bonuses of thin pork chops is that they absorb flavor easily. Here are some easy marinades and dry rubs to give your chops a flavor boost:
Marinades:
- Lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs
- Soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger
- Chili powder, lime juice, cilantro
- Balsamic vinegar, Dijon, garlic, rosemary
Rubs:
- Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic
- Smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano
- Cumin, coriander, mustard powder, salt
- Chili flakes, brown sugar, thyme, pepper
What to Serve with Grilled Thin Pork Chops
Thin grilled pork chops make a quick, easy entree. Pair them with simple sides like:
- Roasted new potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant
- Garden salad or spinach salad
- Rice pilaf or couscous
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
Grilled thin pork chops cook up fast, which is perfect for busy weeknights. With the right prep and techniques, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chops any night of the week.
How to Cook the Pork Chops
I almost always grill these pork chops. They turn out perfect every time (as long as I don’t over cook them!).
You can air fry them, cook them in a pan, or put them in the oven on broil.
The important thing is to cook them until the thickest part of an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees F. Remove them from the heat, tent with foil, and let them rest 10 minutes before serving.
These pork chops are so delicious they force me to grill rain, snow or shine. We enjoy them year round!.
And they are the perfect dish to serve to company. Talk about a simple show stopper!
With hundreds of five-star reviews, their popularity is deserved!
Here are a few rave reviews from people other than myself:
Michelle said, “Wow! This is the best pork I’ve made in a long time! Thank you so much!”
Barbara: Best pork chops. I have used this recipe many times and it is the only way I will make them. Previously my husband refused to have pork chops now he asks for them.
Dawn Jean: I grilled pork tenderloin tonight and made this. If it was dry, I swore to my husband I would never grill pork again. I will definitely make this again because it was so tasty!
Erika: Spot on. Would not change one thing. Still tender with so much great flavor knowing my hubby eats everything well done. Will be making this every week but taking mine off sooner. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
What to Serve With This
I usually use 1/2- to 1-inch thick
I set my pellet grill to 375 for medium heat.
I marinate them and then put them in the freezer. When I take them out of the freezer, I let them defrost in the fridge for about 24 hours. Once they are defrosted, I put them on the grill.
How to grill thin pork chops
FAQ
How long does it take to grill 1 4 inch pork chops?
How do you grill pork chops on a gas grill?
How do you know when thin pork chops are done?
How do you cook pork chops on a grill?
Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them to sear properly on the grill. Next, season the chops with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Allow the chops to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook thin pork chops?
Grilling thin pork chops typically takes around 5-6 minutes in total, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. What is the best way to season thin pork chops for grilling? You can season thin pork chops with a variety of dry rubs or marinades, including simple combinations of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
How long does it take to grill a 1 inch chop?
1-inch thick chops will take 12-14 minutes of grill time. 1 ½ inch thick chops will take up to 20 minutes of grill time. A bone-in chop may take a bit longer than a boneless. Higher final internal temperatures will only take a few minutes longer. COOK TO THE FINAL INTERNAL TEMPERATURE AND NEVER BY TIME ALONE.
Can You Grill thin pork chops?
Grilling thin pork chops can be a challenging task, as they have a tendency to dry out quickly and become tough if not cooked properly. However, with the right techniques and timing, you can achieve juicy and flavorful thin pork chops on the grill. How do I know when thin pork chops are done? How long should I grill thin pork chops?