Introduction
Pork chops are a classic American dinner staple that can be made so many delicious ways. While pan-frying or baking pork chops is quick and easy, barbecuing them lends incredible smoky flavor that takes this hearty entrée to the next level. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make juicy, tender and flavorful bbq pork chops right in your own backyard that rival the best bbq joints.
In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know to make mouthwatering bbq pork chops, from choosing the right cut of meat to barbecuing them perfectly to get a nice char. We will also share marinade and bbq sauce recipes to really bring out that quintessential smoky, sweet and tangy barbecue flavor. With just a little bit of prep and some patience over the grill, you can impress your family with these scrumptious bbq pork chops any night of the week. Let’s get started!
Selecting the Best Pork Chops for Grilling
The first step is choosing the right pork for making grilled pork chops. Here are some tips:
Go for Bone-In Pork Chops
- Bone-in pork chops contain more fat and connective tissue that keeps the meat tender and juicy during grilling. Bone also imparts extra flavor.
- Opt for chops that are at least 1-inch thick so they don’t dry out on the grill. Center-cut or rib chops are best.
Choose Better Quality Pork
- Look for chops labeled “premium” or “heirloom”. Higher quality pork has better marbling and texture.
- Heritage breed pork like Berkshire, Red Wattle or Duroc have deeper flavor from a diet of acorns, etc.
- Pasture-raised and USDA Prime pork generally taste better than factory farmed options.
Buy Enough Chops for Everyone
- Figure 3-4 chops per person when buying bone-in chops. They shrink quite a bit during grilling.
- It’s better to have leftovers than run out of food at your barbecue!
Inspect the Pork Before Buying
- Choose chops with white fat, reddish-pink meat and no dark spots or dry edges.
- Pass on pork chops with yellow fat or meat, which indicates older or lower quality meat.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s get into how to prep the perfect bbq pork chops!
Preparing Pork Chops for Grilling
Proper prep is key to grilling up pork chops that come out juicy, flavorsome and tender every time:
Trim Excess Fat
- Use a sharp knife to trim large excess pieces of fat around the edges of the chops.
- Leave about 1/8 inch of fat to keep the meat moist. Discard trimmings.
Score Fat Cap in Crosshatch Pattern
- Use a sharp knife to slice thin crosshatch grooves in the outer fat cap layer.
- This allows fat to render and meat to absorb marinade.
Pound Chops to Even Thickness
- Place chops between plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound to an even 1-inch thickness.
- This helps them cook evenly and prevents overcooking thinner parts.
Create a Flavorful Marinade
- Marinating is key for flavorful, tender bbq chops. See our recommended marinade recipes below.
- Marinate chops 4 hours to overnight in the fridge, turning occasionally.
Now the chops are trimmed, scored, pounded and marinated – ready for the grill! Let’s get into how to barbecue them.
Grilling Tips for Perfect BBQ Pork Chops
Grilling is an art that takes practice – follow these tips and techniques for finger-lickin’ bbq pork chops:
Pat Chops Dry Before Grilling
- Blot marinade off chops with paper towels before grilling. This helps caramelization and prevents flare-ups.
Grill Over Medium-High Heat
- Heat gas grill to about 400-450 ̊F or prepare medium-hot charcoal fire.
- Direct, steady heat ensures chops cook through without burning.
Place Chops Perpendicular to Grates
- Positioning chops perpendicular to grates creates signature grill marks.
- These criss-cross marks add great char flavor.
Grill 4-6 Minutes Per Side
- For 1-inch thick chops, grill about 4-6 minutes per side depending on desired doneness.
- This yields a nice sear while keeping chops juicy inside.
Check Temperature
- Use an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into thickest part.
- 145 ̊F is medium-rare, 160 ̊F for medium well, and 170 ̊F for well done.
Let Rest 5 Minutes Before Serving
- Never slice into pork straight off the grill! Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute.
- This makes chops extra moist and tender when you dig in.
Now that your chops are grilled perfectly, it’s time to slather on some finger-lickin’ good barbecue sauce.
Lip-Smacking Barbecue Sauces for Pork Chops
A good bbq sauce takes grilled pork chops to new heights of smoky, sweet, spicy and tangy flavor. Here are some mouthwatering sauces to try:
Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce
A classic recipe with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp chili powder
Simmer 20 minutes until thickened. Brush on chops during last few minutes of grilling.
Kansas City-Style BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smokey and slightly spicy – a take on KC’s signature barbecue flavor:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄2 cup molasses
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger
Simmer 30 minutes until thickened. Brush on pork chops just before serving.
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Tangy and lightly spicy yellow mustard-based sauce:
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
Whisk together. Slather chops in sauce during last few minutes on grill.
Try out a few different regional bbq sauces to find your favorite!
Marvelous Marinades for Tender, Flavorful Chops
Soaking chops in a marinade is one of the best ways to infuse juicy, tender meat with lots of zesty flavor. Here are some excellent marinades to try:
Brown Sugar & Bourbon Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup bourbon
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Mix ingredients and marinate 4-24 hours. The bourbon’s acidity tenderizes the meat.
Jamaican Jerk Wet Rub
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Blend wet ingredients for a Caribbean kick. Marinate 2-24 hours.
Mediterranean Herb Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1⁄2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
Blend oil, lemon and fresh herbs for bright flavor. Marinate 1-8 hours.
Get creative mixing your own marinade ingredients for tender and tasty bbq pork chops!
What Sides Go Best with BBQ Pork Chops?
BBQ pork chops deserve some classic down-home barbecue sides like:
- Baked beans – Sweet, smoky and saucy. Traditional bbq fare.
- Coleslaw – Cool, creamy cabbage slaw complements the richness of pork.
- Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled corn is perfect in summer. Lather in butter.
- Mac and cheese – Ooey-gooey comfort food that pairs great with bbq.
- Potato salad – Cold, creamy potato salad balances the smoky meat.
- Biscuits – Flaky, hot biscuits are ideal for soaking up bbq sauce.
Don’t be afraid to try out more creative sides too like grilled veggies, watermelon slices or a fresh green salad.
FAQ About Making BBQ Pork Chops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking up perfect bbq pork chops:
Should I brine pork chops before grilling?
- Brining (soaking chops in saltwater) helps keep thick pork chops moist but is unnecessary for 1-inch chops. Pre-brining can make thin chops overly salty.
Can I grill pork chops that aren’t marinated?
- You can grill without marinating but chops won’t be quite as flavorful or tender. At least season unmarinated chops well with salt, pepper and spices.
Do I need to tenderize pork chops?
- Not usually necessary. Scoring fat cap, pounding to even thickness and marinating sufficiently tenderizes chops. If meat still seems tough, use a meat mallet.
How do I prevent flare ups from pork fat on the grill?
- Flare ups come from drippings hitting hot grates. Trimming excess fat, blotting marinade and cooking over indirect heat prevents this.
Should barbecue sauce be put on at the beginning or end?
- Brush sauce on only during last few minutes to avoid burning. Saucing too early results in a sticky burnt mess.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover grilled pork chops?
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Place chops on a baking sheet and warm 8-10 minutes until heated through. This prevents overdrying.
Get Grilling and Enjoy Delicious BBQ Pork Chops!
Barbecuing pork chops may seem intimidating but have no fear – you can absolutely make succulent, smoky bbq chops at home with a little preparation and practice. Choose nice thick bone-in chops, give them a flavorful soak in a homemade marinade, and grill them up hot and fast for the perfect char. Brush your favorite regional bbq sauce on at the end for pure barbecue heaven in every bite. Serve with classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw for a quintessential summer cookout feast. Before you know it, your friends and family will be begging you to make these sensational bbq pork chops again and again!