Nothing adds flavour to a pork chop like a good marinade! These Grilled Pork Chops are infused with bright lemon flavours and plenty of garlic.
Terrific to throw on the BBQ – of pan fry them if it’s not grilling season. They brown nicely on the outside and are extra juicy on the inside thanks to the marinade!
Grilled Pork Chops – Marinade
This lemon garlic marinade is SO GOOD with grilled pork chops – though also excellent with chicken and lamb so I’ve have notes for marinating times and cooking directions for those too.
This marinade is a little different to most that I share in that there’s a very high ratio of lemon juice in it. Which means if you leave it for too long, it starts to “cook” the pork – in the same way citrus juices (lemon and lime) is used to “cook” raw fish to make ceviche without going near the stove.
On the plus side, the super marinating strength of lemon juice means that unlike most marinades, you don’t need to leave it overnight for it to work its magic – even 1 hour is long enough!
How long to marinate pork chops?
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1 hour minimum – you’ll be surprised how much flavour gets infused in such a short time!
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3 hours is ideal;
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Up to 24 hours is the absolute max – beyond this, the surface texture of the pork turns white which is due to the acid in the lemon juice “cooking” the pork.
Pork Chop Marinade Ingredients
Here are the ingredients required for this simple but highly effective marinade for pork chops:
- Fresh garlic
- Dried oregano
- Lemon juice and zest (zest is where you get the most lemon flavour, the juice is mostly just sour)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
It’s ideal grilled because the high heat will sear the crust beautifully. But it can of course be cooked on the stove as well!
How long should you cook pork chops on the grill?
Cooking pork chops on the grill takes 4 minutes on the first side, then 3 minutes on the other side, followed by a 4 minute rest. This is for pork chops that are around 2cm / 4/5″ thick, 280g/9 oz each, bone in.
I cooked half of these Lemon Garlic Marinated Pork Chops on the stove (photo below) and half on the BBQ (see photo at the top). You can see the difference in the crust, simply because I get a higher heat on the BBQ.
I’ve also provided directions for how to bake these pork chops in the oven – the only way you’ll get a nice browning is to use the grill/broiler for a good 5 – 7 minutes to brown the top side only. So the baking time is considerably reduced to cater for this.
What these grilled pork chops taste like
While there’s a lot of lemon in the marinade, you don’t get sharp sour flavours once the pork chops are grilled because the sharpness of the lemon is tempered once cooked, leaving you with tasty earthy lemon flavours.
And of course, you can’t miss all that garlic!!! – Nagi xx
Try these on the side
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Mrs Brodie’s Famous Potato Salad (for mayo free, try this healthier delicious Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing)
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Lemon Potato Salad – fresh and bright!
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Coleslaw (also see mayo free, healthier Yogurt Coleslaw Dressing)
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Big, fat juicy Greek Salad
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Mexican Red Rice – a fabulous seasoned rice that goes with everything!
And more pork chops recipes
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Another great pork chop marinade – my go to for all occasions!
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Sticky Baked Pork Chops – you probably already have everything required for the sauce!
Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Watch how to make it
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Lemon Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (or other herbs, Note 1)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup (85 ml) lemon juice (1 large or 2 medium lemons)
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pork:
- 4 pork chops bone in , 2cm / 4/5" thick about 280g/9 oz each (Note 2)
- Oil , for cooking
Instructions
- Whisk Marinade ingredients in a bowl (or ziplock bag). Add pork. Marinade for 1 hr minimum, 3 hours ideal, 12 hours max (Note 3).
- Take the pork out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
- Shake excess marinade off (but don't wipe dry) and cook using preferred method. Pictured in post served with Minted Yoghurt - see notes!
BBQ:
- Brush grills / plate with oil and heat on high until smoking.
- Place pork on grills and cook the first side for 4 minutes until it is nicely charred. Turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Turn the porks on their side to briefly sear the fat side (see video). Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Stove:
- Heat skillet with about 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add pork and cook for 1 minute, then turn DOWN slightly to medium high. Cook for another 3 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Turn the porks on their side to briefly sear the fat side (see video).
- Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200C / 390F (fan forced / convection) or 220C / 430F (standard oven).
- Place oven shelf in top 1/3 of oven.
- Place pork on tray. Bake for 15 minutes, then flick to grill/broiler and grill on high for 5 minutes until the surface is nicely browned.
- Transfer to plate, rest for 3 - 5 minutes then serve.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
A new year, a new toy (for both of us).
Oh iRobot, I love you.
Relatively simple ingredients but great finishing flavor! I craved pork tonight and this did the trick. Thank you for the recipe.
Made this tonight – delish! I made the full amount of marinade although I was only cooking 2 chops, and drizzled some of the reserved marinade over the steamed veggies, with some left for tomorrow yum 😍
Thanks again Nagi
Super easy and tastes great!
10/10 delicious!
Another great recipe from you, maybe I’ll make this tomorrow. I had just finished eating the Salisbury steak. My wife and mother-in-love just loved it too. We can’t count that as two additional votes. Thanks for posting all those delights, From Orlando, FL.
I have made this several times in a frying pan, tonight it gos on the charcoal grill…. I can’t wait…. Always a great chop
Taking it up a notch Harry! Nice one!! N x
Every recipe is golden. I used this for pork and chicken.
Awww thanks Carly! I’m glad you are enjoying my recipes! N x
I made this tonight and it was wonderful! Easy to make and delicious. If I could give it 6 stars I would!
Awesomee!! I made it in the oven and it was gorgeous!!
A great sugar free marinade for No sugar November!
No sugar November? I like it!
Hi Nagi! Would the cooking time/temp be the same for chicken breasts?
made last night and they were delicious !
So tender and and flavorful .
Mine didn’t get as brown as yours on the grill but I guess I didn’t let the grill get hot enough . Outstanding as usual !!!
Excellent. Followed exactly. Tender & juicy & so easy. Will enjoy many times this summer.
Would tzatiki go well with this pork?
Yes definitely George! N x
Would tzatiki go well with these pork chops in place of the minted yoghurt you recommend? I notice that the marinade ingredients are almost identical to your Greek chicken souvlaki.
Hi would tzatiki go well with these pork chops in place of the minted yoghurt you recommend? I notice that the marinade ingredients are almost identical to your Greek chicken souvlaki.
Another fantastic recipe Naj as always. Great flavour, easy instructions
OMG! Poured the pan juices over the meat. Served with rustic bread to dip in the juice.
Garlicky, lemony deliciousness!!
My fussy toddler LOVES this!! Paired it with your risoni/Greek salad recipe. Thanks so much Nagi for another delicious and healthy meal!
OMG! Poured the pan juices over the meat. Served with rustic bread to dip in the juice.
Garlicky, lemony deliciousness!!
This marinade works with fried chicken too! Gonna try it next time with pork. Thank you
Hi Nagi,
Can I use this marinade for pork tenderloin pieces that I will cook as kabob’s on the bbq? Thank you!
Yes 100% Amy!! Enjoy! N x