Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops Recipe for Summer BBQ Magic

Nothing beats a summer evening like savoring these delectable honey mustard grilled pork chops that promise a burst of tangy sweetness.

Marinades can truly elevate home cooking with their magical flavor-enhancing properties.

Succulent cuts of meat absorb the zesty blend of honey and mustard, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between smoky grilled notes and rich, sweet undertones.

We blend simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary on your dinner plate.

Juicy pork chops emerge from the grill with a gorgeous caramelized exterior that seals in every delicious hint of flavor.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next backyard gathering.

Why Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops Stand Out

  • Whips up delicious pork chops in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Combines sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and savory soy sauce to create a mouthwatering coating that infuses the meat with incredible depth of flavor.
  • Delivers restaurant-quality results at home with simple grilling techniques that guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops every single time.
  • Appeals to both adults and kids with its familiar yet exciting taste profile, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops

Marinade Ingredients:
  • Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior on the pork chops.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor to balance the sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Garlic: Offers a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the pork.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
Meat Ingredient:
  • Pork Chops: The main protein, best when boneless and of medium thickness for even cooking.
Grill Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Oil: Prevents sticking and helps create nice grill marks.
  • Salt: Enhances the meat's natural flavors and helps develop a delicious crust.

How to Grill Honey Mustard Pork Chops Just Right

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade Magic

In a small mixing bowl, create a flavor symphony by blending:
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, golden-brown mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare Pork for Flavor Infusion

Transfer pork chops into a zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every inch gets coated. Massage the marinade gently into the pork. Seal and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to dance and penetrate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the grates thoroughly and lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful sear marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove pork chops from the marinade, patting them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle a light layer of salt across the surface. Place chops on the hot grill, cooking 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid excessive flipping to develop those gorgeous grill marks. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for juicy, perfectly cooked pork.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer grilled pork chops to a clean plate. Let them rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice and serve hot, enjoying the incredible honey mustard flavor that will make taste buds dance.

Tips to Keep Pork Chops Juicy and Tasty

  • Maximize Marinade Flavor: Reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw pork to use as a sauce or glaze after cooking, ensuring food safety while boosting taste.
  • Prevent Dry Meat: Let pork chops rest for 5-7 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent result.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make pork tough and dry.
  • Quick Marinating Hack: If short on time, inject marinade directly into pork chops or score the surface to help flavors penetrate faster and more deeply.
  • Grill Like a Pro: Pat meat dry before grilling to achieve perfect caramelization and those beautiful golden-brown grill marks that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Best Way to Store Grilled Pork Chops

  • Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Warm chops in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining moisture.
  • Wrap cooled pork chops tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Dishes That Pair with Grilled Pork Chops

  • A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sweet and tangy marinade, balancing the pork's richness with its bright, zesty notes.
  • The caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes mirrors the honey in the marinade, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the grilled pork.
  • A refreshing apple slaw adds crunch and tartness, which perfectly offsets the deep, savory flavors of the honey mustard pork chops, bringing a light, fresh element to the plate.
  • Lightly charred asparagus spears provide a subtle smoky undertone that echoes the grill marks on the pork, while its earthy flavor complements the honey mustard glaze.

Flavor Variations for Honey Mustard Pork

  • Low-Sodium Delight: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari for a heart-healthy option. Maintain the same flavor profile while cutting down on salt intake.
  • Gluten-Free Feast: Swap regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic boost. Chop herbs finely and mix directly into the honey mustard blend for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Kick Option: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the marinade for those who enjoy a warming heat with their grilled pork chops.

Grilled Pork FAQs You’ll Want to See

  • How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops are done when they reach 145F. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.

  • Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to the marinade.

  • Is it necessary to marinate the pork chops?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. While not absolutely required, marinating for at least 30 minutes will significantly improve the taste and texture of the pork chops.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook these pork chops on a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even in the oven. Just adjust cooking time and ensure you reach the correct internal temperature.

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Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey mustard grilled pork chops deliver a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Bold marinades and perfect grill marks promise a mouthwatering meal packed with summer barbecue excitement for your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)

Marinade Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning:

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking Preparation:

  • Vegetable oil or cooking spray (for grill)

Instructions

  1. Combine honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until the marinade becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Transfer the pork chops into a sealed container or resealable plastic bag, then thoroughly coat each piece with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator, letting the flavors penetrate the meat for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Prepare the outdoor grill by heating it to medium-high temperature, approximately 400F, and carefully clean the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the marinated pork chops from the refrigerator and gently pat them dry with paper towels to promote better caramelization.
  6. Lightly season the chops with kosher salt just before grilling to enhance their natural flavor profile.
  7. Place the pork chops on the preheated grill, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side to develop beautiful grill marks and achieve an internal temperature of 145F.
  8. Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

  • Enhance marinade flavor by letting pork chops sit in the mixture for the full 8 hours, allowing the honey mustard blend to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Prevent dry chops by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, ensuring juicy results every time without overcooking.
  • Customize the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Create a smoky variation by adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade or using wood chips on the grill for an extra layer of complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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