Barbecue pork chops are a favorite summer classic dish to prepare. They are easy to make and take relatively little time to cook, unlike many other popular pork recipes such as baby back ribs or pork tenderloin.
Here are a few quick and easy steps to making BBQ pork chops:
1. Choose Your Chops: In general it is best to buy chops nice and fresh and have a butcher prepare the cuts for you exactly to your likings using the most tender part of the pork loin. However, this isn't always possible. When choosing the meat, you should look for center cut type - they look somewhat like a t-bone steak with the bone still attached. These types are usually the easiest to grill because they are tender naturally and do not require a lot of time. Other things like pork shoulder and more can be quite tedious to cook as they require a lot of slow cooking.
2. Rub It In: A dry rib rub is simply a blend of different seasonings and spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic, brown sugar, and others. We recommend using one of these and really rub it into the meat and allow it to marinate for a few hours before cooking. The salt will naturally help tenderize the meat.
3. Heat Up the Grill: A hot grill is the most important. If you are using a gas grill, this is much easier because you can often set exactly the temperature you want. However, a gas grill means you will also lose that authentic charcoal flavor and taste. Either way you prefer is fine - you'll want to make sure that the temperature is hot enough so when you place the meat on it that they sizzle.
4. Cook: Once the grill has warmed up, you are ready to grill! Place your chops on and allow it to cook for about 5-6 minutes each side, flipping no more than three times total if you can resist the temptation. You'll want to cook them to an internal temperature of around 155 degrees.
5. Baste With Sauce: The sauce is the part so many people love when it comes to BBQ. There are countless recipes and opinions for what the best BBQ sauce is. Different regions of the United States are famous for different types. Some types are sweet, others are spicy. Some have other ingredients added with them to give them a little different flavor, such as mustard seed or hickory smoke. Use whatever sauce you like and generously apply it to the chops. Allow them to grill on each side for 1 additional minute after you have added the sauce.
Your family and friends will be impressed at how great these turn out after you practice a few times - and you'll be amazed how easy and simple it will be.
