A Dad’s Guide To Grilling Pork –
Benjamin wrote this guide for me after grilling up some tasty pork chops for our family this past weekend. It is not so much a recipe as a process, one he’s got down to an art. It’s simple, delicious, and makes the most of the beautiful pasture-raised pork chops we’re proud to raise on our farm.
What You’ll Need:
- 1-inch thick pork chops, preferably pasture-raised for the best flavor
- Your favorite homemade or store-bought dry rub
- Freezer bags to hold all your pork chops
- A digital meat thermometer (your secret weapon!)
- Your favorite beverage
- Access to your favorite music
Instructions for Best Results:
Several days before grilling:
- Start with fresh or fully defrosted pork chops.
- Massage in your favorite dry rub on both sides, letting all those spices work their magic.
- Place the pork chops in freezer bags and pop them in the deep freeze until frozen solid. (In my experience the freezing and defrosting process helps to draw the dry rub flavors deeper into the chop)
- Defrost your pork chops 24 hours before grilling day.
On grilling day:
- Preheat your grill to a nice, high heat—500°F does the trick.
- Add your pork chops, shut the top.
- Go in the house and grab your favorite beverage. Don’t get distracted by the kids.
- Immediately upon returning to the grill, turn it down to medium heat.
- Turn on your favorite song (the average song is 3.5 minutes—if your favorite is “American Pie,” you may need to set a timer).
- When the song ends, flip your pork chop.
- Listen to your second favorite song (everyone knows it’s “Bohemian Rhapsody“). At the beginning of the 3rd stanza, check the internal temperature—it should be nearing 145°F.
- Flip your chops and listen to the rest of the song, checking the temperature again.
- If you’re not quite at the right temp, listen to your third favorite song (probably something from Creedence Clearwater Revival—most of their best songs are under 3 minutes, like “Fortunate Son“).
- Once the song starts, finish your beverage and go get your meat platter. Don’t get distracted by the kids.
- By the final refrain, your chops should be at the right temperature.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Benjamin stands by this process, and I have to admit, those pork chops turn out amazing every time. Whether you’re grilling for company or a Sunday meal with your family, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. There’s nothing like a juicy chop!
