Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter
Juicy pork chops grilled over charcoal with a warm spice rub, finished with a garlic herb butter glaze. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 32 minutes pairs about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt to create a spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops (each about 1 inch thick), then massage the spice rub onto both sides of each chop. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450°F, ensuring a consistent heat source.
- Step 4: Place the pork chops directly over the coals and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until a thermometer inserted reads 145°F and chops have a nice crust.
- Step 5: While the pork cooks, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, cooking gently for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 6: Remove pork chops from the grill and brush the garlic herb butter generously over the hot meat. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
