These easy honey mustard grilled pork chops are a tasty treat! With a sweet and tangy marinade, they turn juicy and flavorful on the grill. Great for summer meals or any day!
Honestly, who can resist that honey mustard goodness? I like to serve mine with a side of grilled veggies. It’s a simple way to impress family and friends without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops stay juicier while grilling compared to boneless. If you can only find boneless, they work too but watch the cooking time, as they may take less time to cook.
Dijon and Whole Grain Mustard: These mustards add depth to the dish. If you’re out, you can substitute with yellow mustard, but keep in mind the flavor won’t be as rich. Combining different mustards can also elevate the taste!
Honey: Honey is perfect for the sweet component. If you need a substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar for a different twist. Both will keep that sweetness but add unique flavors.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A bright and tangy addition! If you’re out, lemon juice is a great substitute, providing similar acidity. It will add a refreshing zing to the marinade.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Don’t Dry Out on the Grill?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky if you’re not careful! Here are my top tips to keep them juicy:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
- Preheat the grill properly to medium-high heat. This allows for a nice sear that locks in juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pull them off the grill at 145°F; they’ll continue to cook slightly as they rest.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps redistribute the juices for more tender chops.
Following these steps will ensure you serve up perfectly grilled pork chops every time!
Easy Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and at least 30 minutes to marinate, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours in the fridge. Then, it’ll take about 10-12 minutes to grill. So, overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including marinating time. But don’t worry, most of that is just waiting for the flavors to mingle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, take your Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until you have a smooth and well-combined marinade. This will be the flavor boost talking!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the honey mustard marinade over them, making sure they’re well coated. Save the other half of the marinade for basting later! Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge to marinate. The longer you can let them sit, the better they’ll taste.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Once the chops are marinated and you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). This gives the pork chops that lovely sear we all love.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them carefully on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to baste them occasionally with that reserved marinade. We want those flavors to keep building!
5. Check for Doneness:
Keep an eye on your grill! You’ll know your pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. They should have beautiful grill marks before you pull them off.
6. Rest and Serve:
Transfer the grilled chops to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute which means more tender and juicy chops. After resting, drizzle any remaining marinade or extra honey mustard sauce on top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Ready to serve!
This dish offers juicy pork chops with a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess, accented by the texture of whole grain mustard seeds. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will work, but they tend to cook faster, so be sure to check for doneness at around 4 minutes per side to avoid drying them out.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. It will still work perfectly with the honey mustard marinade!
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight will intensify the flavors even more. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as this might start to break down the meat too much.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or warm them on the stove over low heat to prevent drying out.
