How to Barbecue Pork Chops

If you barbecue pork chops the right way, they can become deliciously flavorful and surprisingly tender. Just marinate before grilling to seal in the flavors and make sure you don't overcook. The result will be a messy but delicious summer treat.

Things You'll Need

• Four pork chops
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. fresh or dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Buy the best pork chops you can find at your local grocery store. The tenderest ones are the pork loin chops, although T-bone pork chops are usually less expensive. Ideally, the chops you buy should be 1-inch thick.

2. Prepare your chops for barbecuing by trimming all excess fat off the meat in advance.

3. Mix together all your marinade ingredients, including olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings, in a bowl. Avoid bowls made of aluminum or iron, since marinades can stain these materials.

4. Marinate your pork chops in a bowl, pan or plastic zipper bag. Place pork chops inside the container and pour enough of the marinade in to cover the meat. If using a plastic bag, place it in a bowl to prevent leaks. Chill your chops in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Remove pork chops from the marinade, drain any excess liquid and put them on a platter. Let them sit at room temperature for another 30 minutes.

6. Preheat your barbecue to high while your chops are sitting.

7. Transfer the pork chops from the platter to an area of direct, high heat on the grill. Cook for 6 minutes, turning the chops after 3 minutes.

8. Move the pork chops to a cooler section (medium heat) of the grill for the remaining cooking time. Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. When the chops are done, the juices should run clear (rather than pink). You can also use a meat thermometer.

9. Cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then serve after seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch pork chops closely throughout the cooking process, as they can burn easily and are drier than other meats.

• Wash hands and any surfaces that came in contact with the raw pork chops.

• Do not reuse any of the marinade that was mixed in with the raw meat.