How to Create Smoky Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops in Simple English
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook food. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to dishes, and pork chops are the perfect candidate for this method. Pairing tender pork chops with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is a match made in food heaven! Whether you’re grilling for your family or hosting friends, smoky grilled teriyaki pork chops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And the good news? You can make them easily at home!
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to create smoky grilled teriyaki pork chops using simple ingredients and methods. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup of teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for smoky notes)
- Green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare Your Pork Chops
Start by prepping the pork chops. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Dry pork chops grill better because moisture can stop the meat from developing a nice crust.
Once dry, place the pork chops on a clean plate and season them lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds extra smoky flavor even before the chops hit the grill! Rub the seasoning into the meat.
Step 2: Make Your Teriyaki Marinade
The teriyaki flavor comes from the marinade. You can buy store-bought teriyaki sauce, but making your own is easy. If you want to prepare homemade sauce, mix the following in a bowl:
- Soy sauce (for saltiness)
- Honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- Garlic (for a savory kick)
- Ginger (optional, for a hint of spice)
However, for this recipe, we’re blending store-bought teriyaki sauce with honey for additional sweetness and minced garlic for added depth. Mix everything in a bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork Chops
Marinating is the secret to tender and flavorful pork chops! Place your seasoned chops in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the pork chops for at least 1 hour, though letting them marinate overnight will give you the best flavor. The longer they soak in the sauce, the richer the taste.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill
Pork chops taste best when cooked on a charcoal grill, which adds smoky flavor, but a gas grill will work just fine. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). If using charcoal, let the coals turn gray and ashy before cooking.
To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with a little olive oil before placing the pork chops on them. You can do this with a folded paper towel dipped in oil held with tongs.
Step 5: Grill the Pork Chops
Once the grill is ready, remove the pork chops from the marinade. Shake off any excess marinade so it doesn’t drip and cause flare-ups on the grill.
Grill the pork chops for 4–7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. You want to see nice grill marks! Keep the lid of the grill closed for even cooking.
While grilling, brush extra teriyaki sauce on the pork chops every few minutes. This will caramelize the sauce slightly, giving the meat a sticky, smoky glaze.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6: Rest the Pork Chops
After removing the pork chops from the grill, let them rest for 5 minutes on a clean plate. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making them more tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing your smoky grilled teriyaki pork chops. Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and presentation. Serve the pork chops with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality pork chops: Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked pork chops can be dry, so pay attention to the cooking time and internal temperature.
- Charcoal adds extra smoky flavor: If you can use a charcoal grill, go for it!
- Experiment with sides: Pair the teriyaki pork chops with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.
Smoky grilled teriyaki pork chops are a true crowd-pleaser and easy to make at home. With a little prep and grilling, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own backyard. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to juicy pork chops packed with smoky, sweet, and savory teriyaki goodness. Happy grilling!
