Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent pork chop bursting with bright, herbaceous flavors that transport you to a summer garden party. These Grilled Basil Lemon Pork Chops are not just a meal—they're a culinary experience that combines the zesty freshness of lemon, the aromatic punch of basil, and perfectly grilled meat that will have your dinner guests begging for your secret recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that proves gourmet cooking can be both easy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better grill marks.
- Generously brush both sides of the pork chops with the prepared basil-lemon marinade, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F, and clean the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place pork chops on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for precise cooking.
- Remove pork chops from grill and let them rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil before serving and squeeze extra lemon juice if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Moisture Management: Pat the pork chops completely dry before marinating. This crucial step helps create those beautiful, appetizing grill marks and prevents steaming.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the basil and lemon infuse their flavors into the meat for maximum taste impact.
- Grill Precision: Use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 145°F internal temperature—this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked pork every time.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your pork chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as succulent as possible.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving to enhance the herb's bright, aromatic qualities!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
