Who doesn’t love tender and flavorful pork chops? If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that will satisfy your taste buds, then Griddle Pork Chops are a must-try! This recipe utilizes a quick marinade to ensure that the pork chops turn out juicy and delicious. Perfect for camping or weeknight dinners, these pork chops are a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways
- The Versatility of the Blackstone Griddle
- Budget-Friendly and Healthy
- Cooking Tips for Perfectly Tender Chops
- The Art of Cooking with the Blackstone Griddle
- Stovetop Directions for Non-Griddle Cooking
- Endless Possibilities with Substitutions
- Perfect Pairings for Griddle Pork Chops
- Storing and Reheating
- Conclusion
The Versatility of the Blackstone Griddle
If you’re a fan of versatile cooking equipment, then you’re likely already familiar with the Blackstone Products flat top grill. This amazing grill allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes, from salmon and zucchini to teriyaki chicken thighs and chicken tenders. The possibilities are endless! But today, we’re focusing on the mouthwatering pork chops that can be cooked to perfection on the Blackstone Griddle.
Budget-Friendly and Healthy
Not only are these Griddle Pork Chops incredibly delicious, but they’re also budget-friendly and suitable for those following a Paleo or low-carb lifestyle. With just a little over $5, you can get a package of four pork chops from Aldi’s, making this recipe an affordable choice for any meal. The Paleo pork marinade used in this recipe adds a healthy twist, making it a great option for those seeking a nutritious pork chop recipe.
Cooking Tips for Perfectly Tender Chops
To ensure that your Griddle Pork Chops turn out tender and succulent, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t skip the marinade: The marinade is crucial for infusing the pork chops with flavor and preventing them from drying out. Marinate the chops for at least one hour to achieve maximum tenderness.
- Cook on medium-high heat: Searing the outside of the pork chops creates a caramelized crust while retaining the juices inside. Cooking them quickly on the hot griddle helps maintain their juiciness.
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the pork chops. Once they reach 145F, they are perfectly cooked. The golden brown color on the edges indicates that they are done, so be careful not to mistake it for burning.
The Art of Cooking with the Blackstone Griddle
With your Blackstone Griddle preheated to medium-high heat, it’s time to cook the pork chops to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the pork chop marinade: Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Marinate the pork chops: Place the pork chops in a large bag or casserole dish and pour in the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chops until they are evenly covered. Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours, up to a maximum of 12 hours.
- Cook on the Blackstone Griddle: Once the griddle is hot, add the marinated pork chops and the remaining marinade. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 145F. The edges of the pork chops should turn a lovely golden brown color, indicating that they are ready. Be sure not to overcook them.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving or cutting into them. This will help them retain their juiciness and prevent them from drying out.
Make the marinade
Place pork chops in a baggie
Marinate the pork chops
Grill the pork chops
Flip the pork chops – nice and caramelized
Let the pork chops rest
Stovetop Directions for Non-Griddle Cooking
Don’t worry if you don’t have a Blackstone Grill or gas grill. You can still enjoy these delicious pork chops by cooking them on a stovetop using a cast iron skillet or grill pan. Here’s how:
- Make the pork chop marinade and marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and the marinade to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, until the pork chops caramelize and are cooked through.
Endless Possibilities with Substitutions
While this recipe uses a Paleo pork marinade, you can easily make substitutions to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce or tamari.
- Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey.
- Opt for olive oil if you don’t have avocado oil, but reduce the heat to prevent smoking.
- Experiment with different cuts of pork chops, such as thick, bone-in, or pork loin chops. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a store-bought marinade, try popular options like Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki Sauce or Primal Kitchen’s no-soy teriyaki sauce.
- Explore other marinades, such as balsamic vinegar-based ones.
Perfect Pairings for Griddle Pork Chops
To complement the delicious flavor of the Griddle Pork Chops, consider serving them with asparagus. You can cook the asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle, in an air fryer, or even roasted in the oven using a recipe like Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. If you’re watching your carb intake, mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes make excellent sides. For an all-Blackstone dinner, explore other Blackstone side dishes. And for a fresh and light option, serve the pork chops with a refreshing green salad.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the pork chops in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 45-60 seconds for smaller chops or 1.2-2 minutes for larger ones.
Conclusion
Griddle Pork Chops are a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful meal. With a tender and juicy texture, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking on the Blackstone Griddle or using a stovetop alternative, the marinade and cooking techniques ensure that these pork chops turn out perfect every time. So, fire up your griddle and enjoy a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more.