Grilling pork chops can be a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. However, choosing the right size pork chop is important to ensure it cooks properly on the grill. Smaller, thinner chops tend to cook faster and can dry out quickly, while thicker chops may require longer cooking times to reach the proper internal temperature without charring the outside. The best sizes for grilling are generally 1-inch thick bone-in or boneless pork chops or 1.5-inches thick for bone-in rib chops.
What Are the Different Cuts and Thicknesses of Pork Chops?
There are a few main cuts of pork chops to choose from:
Center cut
– Contains a bit of the tenderloin and loin.
– Tend to be leaner with a mild flavor.
– Boneless chops are 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick. Bone-in chops are 1 inch thick.
Rib chop
– Cut from the rib section.
– More fat marbling for flavor.
– Bone-in chops are often 1.5 inches thick. Boneless are 1 inch thick.
Sirloin chop
– Cut near the rear leg.
– Lean but slightly tougher meat.
– Boneless chops are 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick.
Shoulder/blade chop
– From the shoulder area.
– Well-marbled for flavor.
– Bone-in chops are 1 inch thick.
Loin chop
– From the loin area.
– Lean, tender, and mild flavor.
– Boneless chops are 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick.
The thickness of the pork chop impacts its grilling time and technique. Thinner pork chops cook faster. They can dry out quickly if overcooked, so they require closer monitoring. Thicker chops take longer to cook. The extra time allows the interior to cook through without toughening the exterior.
What Are the Best Thicknesses for Grilling Pork Chops?
These guidelines help choose the right thickness pork chop for perfect grilling results:
1-inch thick
Boneless or bone-in center cut, sirloin, shoulder/blade chops do well at this thickness. It provides enough thickness to remain juicy when grilling quickly over direct heat while still cooking through in a reasonable amount of time. These sizes work well for weeknight meals.
1.5-inches thick
Bone-in rib chops are ideal at this thickness. The extra thickness prevents them from drying out while developing a nice sear during a quick cook time. The bone also helps lock in moisture. Go for this chop size when you want juicy, flavorful chops.
3/4-inch thick or less
Very thin boneless chops can work but require extra care. Keep the heat lower and watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Consider a two-zone fire and searing before finishing off to the side over indirect heat. Marinades and brines can help retain moisture. Go for larger chops if possible.
2-inches or thicker
Extra thick chops run the risk of drying out before the inside cooks through. It takes a long time over moderate heat for the inside to come to temperature without burning the outside. Chops thicker than 1.5 inches do best when cooked indirectly, baked, or smoked low and slow.
How Does Bone vs. Boneless Affect Grilling?
Bones act as an insulator to slow cooking, so bone-in chops require more grilling time than boneless. The benefit is bone-in chops are harder to overcook. The bone also adds flavor.
Boneless chops cook faster since heat reaches the interior quicker. Keep a close eye to prevent them from drying out. Consider partially cooking thicker boneless chops using indirect heat before searing.
Here are estimated grilling times:
Boneless
– 3⁄4 inch: 6-8 minutes total
– 1 inch: 8-12 minutes total
Bone-in
– 1 inch: 12-14 minutes total
– 1.5 inches: 14-18 minutes total
Use a meat thermometer to confirm chops reach 145°F internally. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
How Does Your Grilling Method Impact Pork Chop Size?
The way you grill pork chops affects which thicknesses work best:
Direct grilling
Cooking directly over the heat source, this works well for thinner chops under 1.5 inches thick. Moderate heat quickly cooks them through without burning the exterior.
Two-zone fire
With one zone hot for searing and a second zone cooler for indirect cooking, this allows you to sear then finish thicker chops gently. Use for 1.5-inch bone-in rib chops or 1-inch boneless.
Indirect grilling
Placing the chops off to the side of the heat source requires longer cooking but works for chops over 1.5 inches thick. The moderated heat tenderizes the interior without toughening the outer portion.
Smoking
For very thick chops or bone-in loin roasts over 2 inches, smoking and barbecuing over low indirect heat results in the best texture. The low temp tenderizes while a rub or sauce adds flavor.
What Are the Best Pork Chop Sizes for Different Numbers of People?
Pork chops are commonly sold in packages containing 2-4 chops. Here are suggestions for chop sizes based on the number you need:
1-2 people
– Boneless sirloin or center cut, 3⁄4 to 1-inch thick
– Bone-in shoulder/blade or center cut, 1-inch thick
The smaller chops provide the right amount of meat without waste. Thinner boneless chops cook quickly for the grill.
3-4 people
– Boneless center cut or sirloin, 1-inch thick
– Bone-in rib, 1.5-inches thick
– Bone-in shoulder/blade, 1-inch thick
1-inch boneless or bone-in chops offer versatility to use either direct or indirect heat. Splurge on thicker bone-in rib chops for more flavor.
5 or more people
– Boneless center cut, 1-inch thick
– Bone-in shoulder/blade, 1-inch thick
– Bone-in rib, 1.5 inches thick
– Bone-in loin roast, 2 inches thick
Feed a crowd with 1-inch boneless center cut or shoulder chops. Thick bone-in rib chops or loin roasts impress for larger gatherings. Roast over indirect heat and slice into chops.
What Are the Best Pork Chop Thicknesses for Different Cooking Times?
The thickness of the pork chop significantly impacts the grilling time. Here are guidelines based on the cooking time available:
30 minutes or less
– Boneless center cut or sirloin, 3⁄4 inch
– Boneless shoulder/blade, 3⁄4 to 1 inch
Thinner boneless chops reach a safe internal temperature quickly over direct medium heat. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
30-60 minutes
– Boneless center cut or sirloin, 1 inch
– Bone-in center cut or shoulder/blade, 1 inch
1-inch boneless or bone-in chops cook through via direct grilling or indirect cooking depending on thickness. Mix methods for the best results.
1-2 hours
– Bone-in rib, 1.5 inches
– Bone-in loin roast, 2 inches
Cook these thicker bone-in options over indirect heat, flipping occasionally. Finish by searing both sides over direct heat.
Over 2 hours
– Bone-in loin roast, over 2 inches
– Country style ribs
– Pork belly
Slow smoke large cuts like these low and slow until falling apart tender. Their thickness makes them perfect for indirect low heat.
Conclusion
The ideal pork chop thickness for grilling depends on the cut, bone vs. boneless, number of people, and available cook time. Key guidelines include:
– 1-inch thickness works well for most boneless and bone-in center cut, shoulder, sirloin chops
– Choose 1.5-inch bone-in rib chops for the best flavor and juiciness
– Avoid chops under 3⁄4 inch as they risk drying out
– Chops over 2 inches do best with indirect low and slow cooking
– Consider the number of people when purchasing packages of chops
– Thinner chops work for quicker cooking times while go thicker for longer prep time
Following these tips will help you choose the perfect pork chop thickness for grilling to ensure tender, juicy results every time. Consider the recipes and techniques you’d like to use, and pick chops suited for that cooking method. Mastering the ideal chop size makes grilling up delicious pork chops simple.