Description

This Lemon Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops recipe features tender, flavorful pork chops marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture with dried oregano and olive oil. The marinade infuses the meat with bright citrus and herbaceous notes, making it perfect for quick grilling. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue, these pork chops cook up juicy and delicious with a simple, fresh accompaniment like minted yogurt.

Ingredients

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Marinade Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano (or other herbs)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup (85 ml) lemon juice (from 1 large or 2 medium lemons)
1/4 cup (65 ml) olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Main Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops, 2cm (4/5″) thick, about 280g (9 oz) each
Oil, for cooking

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, whisk together the minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Pork Chops: Add the pork chops to the marinade, ensuring each chop is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 hours and up to 12 hours, to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
Prepare for Grilling: Shake off any excess marinade from the pork chops, but do not wipe them dry. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Grill the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or longer if desired. The chops should have nice grill marks and be juicy inside.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat. Serve with your favorite sides or a refreshing minted yogurt sauce.

Notes

You can substitute dried oregano with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning depending on preference.
Choose pork chops that are about 2 cm thick for even cooking and juiciness.
Marinating times vary— at least 1 hour is needed for basic flavor; marinating for 3 hours gives ideal flavor depth; do not exceed 12 hours to prevent meat texture from becoming mushy.
For extra flavor, consider serving with a minted yogurt sauce made by mixing plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.