Are you tired of bland, dry pork chops that leave you disappointed? Get ready to transform your grilling game with this incredibly simple yet sensational Italian Dressing Grilled Pork Chops recipe! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. The magic is in the marinade - a zesty Italian dressing that infuses these juicy pork chops with incredible flavor and ensures they stay tender and delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops (4 pieces)
- Italian dressing (1/2 cup)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Ensure the pork chops are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, pour in the 1/2 cup of Italian dressing. This will serve as both a marinade and a flavor enhancer for the pork chops.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, but be mindful not to over-salt since the Italian dressing already contains salt.
- Add the seasoned pork chops to the bowl or bag with the Italian dressing. Ensure that each chop is well-coated with the dressing. If using a bowl, you can turn the chops over a few times; if using a bag, seal it and gently massage the dressing into the meat.
- Let the pork chops marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. For more flavor, you can marinate them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours, but avoid marinating for too long as the acidity in the dressing can break down the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with white ash. For a gas grill, preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is ready, remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess dressing to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Avoid moving them around too much to achieve nice grill marks.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the pork chops and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
- Serve the grilled pork chops warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your choice of sides such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select pork chops that are evenly thick (about 1-inch) to ensure consistent cooking.
- Marinating Matters: Don't rush the marinating process. While 10 minutes works, letting the chops sit in Italian dressing for up to 2 hours can dramatically enhance flavor.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 145°F internal temperature. This ensures your pork is cooked safely without becoming dry.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your grilled pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Grill Marks = Flavor: Resist the urge to move the chops around too much. This helps create those beautiful grill marks that add both visual appeal and a delicious charred flavor.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the marinade for a personalized touch. Rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder can be excellent additions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
