Experience the juiciest grilled pork chops of your life with this childhood-inspired recipe. A simple mayo and onion marinade transforms lean pork into a tender, flavorful masterpiece!
These grilled pork loin chops hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family ate a lot of pork — in fact, we raised our own pigs for protein. Alongside the chickens my mom used for soups, pork was a protein that we always had on hand. Butchering day always felt like a holiday in our home because it meant freshly cooked pork chops for dinner. To this day, I love marinating pork with the unique mixture of garlic, onion, and mayonnaise because it makes the meat extra juicy and reminds me of home.
Love pork chops? Take it low and slow with crockpot pork chops, or speed it up with air fryer pork chops or instant pot pork chops.
Grilled Pork Chops Video
How To Make Grilled Pork Chops
I love throwing these pork chops in the marinade the night before, then searing them to perfection for dinner the next day. They truly could not be easier to prepare — especially for my busy moms!
- Prepare the marinade: Combine the grated onion, mayo, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Marinate the chops: Add the pork chops to the bowl and coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let them marinate for at least four hours.
- Grill the chops: Preheat the grill (I can’t recommend this one enough!) to medium heat. Shake off any excess marinade, then grill the chops for four minutes per side.
Hot tip: Don’t worry if the chops are still a little pink in the middle after grilling — this is perfectly normal, and it ensures juiciness. Just make sure the internal temp reaches 145°F for safety!
Tips For Juicy and Tender Grilled Pork Chops
Not only did I eat a lot of pork chops growing up, I’ve been cooking them for my family for years. Here are my secrets to the best pork chops ever…
- Use bone-in chops. I always opt for bone-in pork chops rather than boneless because the bone contributes superior flavor and helps the meat to cook evenly.
- Look for similar-sized chops. Pork chops that are 1-2 inches thick are ideal, as thin chops have a higher chance of overcooking. Make sure they’re consistent in size to ensure even cooking.
- Grate the onion. This is my favorite hack! Onions contain natural enzymes that break down tough muscle fibers. Grating the onion rather than slicing it releases more of these juices for maximum tenderization. I like to use this tool to grate quickly!
- Marinate the meat sufficiently. For the best flavor and tenderness, allow the chops to marinate overnight (but if you’re in a hurry, give them at least four hours).
- Drain any excess marinade. Before placing the chops on the grill, remove heavy clumps of mayo and onion to prevent flare-ups and allow for a better sear.
- Avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer is the only way to guarantee safety without resulting in dry meat. Pull the chops off the grill as soon as they hit 145°F, and allow at least three minutes of resting time to lock in the juices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork chops are always welcome in our household of hungry boys. They never last long around here, but here’s how we enjoy them again later when they do.
- Storage: Store leftover grilled pork chops for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: To avoid drying out the meat, reheat the pork chops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Cover the pan to trap the steam.
Hot tip: Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes, grilled corn, and/or a Caesar salad.
More Grilled Meat Recipes
- 5-Minute Grilled Chicken Thighs — Three ingredients, five minutes of prep, and so much flavor
- Carne Asada — Tender flank steak marinated with soy sauce, citrus, and herbs
- Grilled Beef Galbi — Korean short ribs paired with the most mouthwatering sticky sauce
- Grilled Lamb Chops — Bursting with fresh rosemary flavor and perfect for a fancy date night in
Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 lbs pork loin chops cut into pieces
- 1 large onion grated or blended
- 5 garlic cloves pressed
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp salt or to taste
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Grate or blend the onion and press the garlic. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork loin chops in a large bowl. Coat the pork with the mayo mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate overnight, or at least 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove any excess marinade from the pork. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook them for about 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the chops from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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