Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 2: Add 4 bone-in pork chops, turning to coat thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops?
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 Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops 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 Charred Citrus and Herb-Grilled Pork Chops?
American pork 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.
