How to Grill Thin Pork Chops on Charcoal in 10 Minutes

ByJennifer Lucks

How Long to Grill Thin Pork Chops on Charcoal

Pork chops are a delicious and versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Grilling is a popular method for cooking pork chops because it imparts a smoky flavor and caramelizes the meat. However, grilling pork chops can be tricky, especially if they are thin. If you cook them for too long, they will become dry and tough. If you cook them for too little time, they will be undercooked and unsafe to eat.

To ensure that your pork chops are cooked perfectly, it is important to know how long to grill them. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops, the temperature of the grill, and your personal preference. However, a general rule of thumb is to grill thin pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat.

This article will provide you with detailed instructions on how to grill thin pork chops on charcoal. We will discuss the different factors that affect cooking time, and we will give you tips for ensuring that your pork chops are cooked perfectly.

So, if you are looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork chops, read on!

How Long To Grill Thin Pork Chops On Charcoal?

| Time | Temperature | Doneness |
|—|—|—|
| 3-4 minutes per side | Medium-high heat (400-450 degrees F) | Medium |
| 4-5 minutes per side | Medium heat (350-400 degrees F) | Medium-well |
| 5-6 minutes per side | Low heat (300-350 degrees F) | Well done |

Grilled pork chops are a delicious and easy way to cook pork chops. They are also a great way to show off your grilling skills. This guide will show you how to grill thin pork chops on charcoal in just a few simple steps.

Preparation

The first step is to choose the right pork chops. Look for pork chops that are about 1-inch thick. Thinner pork chops will cook faster, while thicker pork chops will take longer.

Once you have chosen your pork chops, you need to marinate them. Marinating pork chops helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. There are many different marinades you can use, but some of the most popular include:

  • Soy sauce and garlic: This is a classic marinade that is perfect for pork chops. It is simple to make and it imparts a delicious flavor to the meat.
  • Teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce is another popular marinade for pork chops. It is made with soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. It gives the pork chops a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Lemon pepper marinade: This marinade is perfect for pork chops that you want to grill quickly. It is made with lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. It gives the pork chops a bright and citrusy flavor.

No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours. This will give the marinade time to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

Grilling

Once the pork chops are marinated, it is time to grill them. The first step is to oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the pork chops from sticking to the grates.

Next, preheat the grill to medium heat. You do not want the grill to be too hot, or the pork chops will burn.

Once the grill is preheated, it is time to place the pork chops on the grill. Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. The pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for grilling pork chops:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. The pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grill the pork chops over indirect heat. This will help to prevent the pork chops from burning.
  • Baste the pork chops with marinade or butter during grilling. This will help to keep the pork chops moist.
  • Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the pork chops will be more tender.

Grilled pork chops are a delicious and easy way to cook pork chops. They are also a great way to show off your grilling skills. This guide has shown you how to grill thin pork chops on charcoal in just a few simple steps. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!

Here are some additional tips for grilling pork chops:

  • If you are grilling pork chops that are thicker than 1-inch, you will need to cook them for longer. Cook the pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
  • You can also grill pork chops on a gas grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
  • If you are grilling pork chops for a crowd, you can cook them in a foil packet. This will help to keep the pork chops moist and juicy.
  • Serve grilled pork chops with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

How Long To Grill Thin Pork Chops On Charcoal?

Grilling thin pork chops on charcoal is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and juicy meal. The key to grilling thin pork chops is to cook them over indirect heat so that they don’t dry out.

To grill thin pork chops on charcoal, you will need:

  • 1-2 pounds of thin pork chops
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce
  • Charcoal grill
  • Grilling grate

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the pork chops over indirect heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush the pork chops with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional minute or two, or until the sauce is heated through.
5. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • To make sure the pork chops are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook thin pork chops in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pork chops for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Serve the pork chops with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Marinating Thin Pork Chops

Marinating thin pork chops before grilling is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as:

  • Oil
  • Vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Herbs
  • Spices

To marinate thin pork chops, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and add the pork chops. Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to grill the pork chops, remove them from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Grill the pork chops according to the instructions above.

Grilling Tips

Here are a few tips for grilling thin pork chops on charcoal:

  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the pork chops are cooked through. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Don’t overcook the pork chops. Thin pork chops can dry out quickly, so it’s important to cook them for just the right amount of time.
  • Baste the pork chops with barbecue sauce or another flavorful liquid while they’re grilling. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

Serving Thin Pork Chops

Thin pork chops are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

  • Grilled vegetables
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Rice
  • Salad
  • Corn on the cob
  • Baked beans
  • Mac and cheese
  • Sauted mushrooms
  • Onion rings
  • Fries

Grilling thin pork chops on charcoal is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and juicy meal. By following these tips, you can make sure that your pork chops are cooked perfectly every time.

How long do I grill thin pork chops on charcoal?

Thin pork chops cook quickly, so they should only be grilled for 3-4 minutes per side. To ensure that they are cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I grill thin pork chops on?

The ideal temperature for grilling thin pork chops is 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to sear the meat and create a flavorful crust.

What type of charcoal should I use to grill thin pork chops?

You can use any type of charcoal to grill thin pork chops, but I recommend using lump charcoal. Lump charcoal is made from pieces of wood that have not been processed, so it burns hotter and produces more flavor.

What should I marinate thin pork chops in?

There are many different marinades that you can use for thin pork chops. Some popular options include:

  • A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic
  • A teriyaki marinade made with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger
  • A balsamic marinade made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs

How do I prevent thin pork chops from drying out?

To prevent thin pork chops from drying out, there are a few things you can do:

  • Marinate the chops in a flavorful marinade before grilling.
  • Grill the chops over indirect heat for the first few minutes to allow them to cook through slowly.
  • Baste the chops with melted butter or olive oil while they are grilling.
  • Remove the chops from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some side dishes that go well with grilled thin pork chops?

Some popular side dishes for grilled thin pork chops include:

  • Grilled vegetables
  • Potato salad
  • Mac and cheese
  • Corn on the cob
  • Salad

How do I store leftover grilled thin pork chops?

Leftover grilled thin pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chops in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to grill thin pork chops on charcoal. We have covered topics such as the ideal temperature for grilling pork chops, the best way to marinate pork chops, and how to grill pork chops to perfection. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you will be able to use it to grill delicious pork chops for your family and friends.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The ideal temperature for grilling pork chops is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Marinating pork chops in a flavorful marinade can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
  • Pork chops should be grilled for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

We hope that you enjoy grilling pork chops on charcoal!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.