should you season pork chops before grilling

Homemade Pork Chop Seasoning is one of those pantry staples to always have on hand. It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory with simple spices so it is a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight.

I believe the best seasoning for pork chops is one that you can make quickly without spending a ton of money on strange and unique ingredients you’ll never use for anything else. This pork chop seasoning is a simple blend of basic ingredients, but the secret is in the ratios. This blend is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky with just a little kick of spice at the end.

My pork chop seasoning recipe calls for smoked paprika to bring an extra element of flavor to your pork chops. It is very simple to find in stores and I recommend picking up a bottle to try in any recipe that calls for paprika for a hint of wood-fired flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika is totally fine. Be aware that there are several additional varieties of paprika that vary from sweet to hot, so just read the label so you don’t end up with super spicy paprika!

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt, pepper and a spice rub if you’d like, then brush them with oil. Sear the chops on the hot side of the grill and let them cook until they easily release without sticking, about 4 minutes.
should you season pork chops before grilling

Grilled Pork Chop Seasoning

This recipe was developed as a grilled pork chop seasoning, however, I found that it works beautifully on baked pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, and more!

The secret, no matter how you are cooking your pork chops, is to start at a lower temperature (for grilling, use indirect heat so the pork chops aren’t right above the fire). This allows the seasoning to cook and coat the outside of the pork chops.

Pork Chop Seasoning Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this seasoning. These are all pretty basic ingredients that you will likely already have in your pantry. And if you don’t have them all, they’re easily found in most grocery stores.

  • 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 Tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and use immediately. You can also store this seasoning in a sealed glass jar for up to 6 months for the best flavor.

Juicy Grilled Pork Chops | How to Dry Brine Pork Chops

FAQ

Should you season pork chops before cooking?

On their own, pork chops are a lean, bland cut of meat. Seasoning with salt before cooking is an essential step in bringing out the meat’s natural flavors. Season generously, and remember that even a very short brine (just 30 minutes) will improve the taste and texture of the meat.

What is the secret to grilling pork chops?

For the most tender pork chops, marinate the pork (or let them sit with the rub) for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Let the Meat Come to Room Temperature Prior to Grilling. If you throw the meat on the grill cold, by the time the inside comes to temperature, the outside will be overcooked.

Should pork chops be oiled before grilling?

Oil the food, not the grill. The olive oil not only helps prevent the meat from sticking to the grates, it also promotes caramelization, which in turn helps lock in the meat’s juices. If you don’t brush the chop with oil, the natural juices will evaporate as the meat cooks.

How to pre season pork chops?

Mix kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl to make the dry brine. Generously apply mixture to both sides of pork chops. Transfer chops to a rack on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered 18 to 24 hours.

Do You season pork chops before grilling?

I recommend seasoning just a few minutes before grilling. Grill. With your grill preheated to 400 degrees F for two-zone cooking, place the pork chops over the indirect heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping once. Sear. Just before your pork chops are done, move them over to the direct heat side of the grill.

Can one eat pork?

A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).

Do you need to rinse pork chops before grilling?

After the pork chops are brined, there’s no need to rinse them off with water — simply dry them very well with paper towels. You can sprinkle on some black pepper at this point, or go with your favorite spice or spice rub. Just use a spice rub that doesn’t contain salt, as you’ve already seasoned the chops. How Long Do Pork Chops Take on the Grill?

Can you make grilled pork chops a day in advance?

For notes on how to make grilled pork chops that don’t skimp on flavor, read on. Pork chops can be prepped up to a day in advance, before grilling. Start by patting your pork chops dry and seasoning liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

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