A George Foreman Grill is a perfect vehicle for cooking pork chops. With these steps, you should also be able to use any other panini press or electric indoor grill to grill tasty pork chops. Pork chops are a versatile, delicious, and an easy protein to prepare in a variety of ways. Pork is generally a mild tasting meat by itself. It can benefit from adequate seasoning and will take on many flavors successfully. Yet, recipes do not need to be overly complicated.
When cooking on a Foreman Grill, the best results come from center-cut boneless chops that are about 1/2′′ to 3/4′′ thick. Before you put the pork on the grill, you should let it come to room temperature so that it cooks evenly and the middle doesn’t stay raw. So, take the chops out of the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before cooking.
It’s important to get the grill really hot before you put the chops on it so that they sear well and keep the flavors and juices inside. It is also important to have a digital meat thermometer handy to check for doneness. It is very easy to overcook pork and dry it out, especially with leaner cuts. After grilling, let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting it up. This will help the juices soak back into the meat.
Here are two very simple pork chop recipes that will give you tasty results with little work. Both recipes are for a contact grill. The first recipe is as simple as it gets with just oil, salt, and pepper. When you make the second recipe, you marinate the pork with a few items you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.
George Foreman grills are a quick and convenient way to cook meat, especially favorites like juicy pork chops. But what if you forgot to thaw those chops? Can you toss frozen pork right on the grill?
The short answer is yes, you can cook frozen pork chops on a George Foreman grill. However, there are some tips and tricks to get the best results.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know including
- The benefits of cooking frozen chops on a George Foreman
- Drawbacks to watch out for
- Thawing tips for better results
- How to cook frozen pork properly on the grill
- Internal temperature and doneness
- Flavoring and seasoning ideas
- Serving suggestions
- Frequently asked questions
So let’s get grilling!
Why Cook Frozen Pork Chops on a George Foreman Grill?
Cooking frozen pork chops on a George Foreman grill can be super fast and convenient. Here are some of the benefits:
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Speed: The grill’s fast heat system means that frozen chops can be cooked quickly without having to thaw first. Great for last minute meals.
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Convenience – No need to plan ahead and thaw. Just grab chops from the freezer and start grilling.
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Even cooking – The dual heating plates cook both sides evenly at once.
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Great results – Pork chops come out juicy and flavorful directly from frozen.
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Simple cleanup – George Foreman grills are nonstick and wipe clean easily.
So when you need a fast, foolproof pork chop dinner, the George Foreman can cook them straight from the freezer.
Potential Drawbacks to Cooking Frozen Chops
While cooking frozen pork on a George Foreman is totally doable, there are a few potential downsides:
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Longer cooking time – Frozen chops may take 1.5 times longer to cook than thawed. Patience is required.
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Uneven cooking – The outside can overcook before the inside thaws. Pay attention to doneness.
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Less tender results – The quick cook time doesn’t allow the meat to properly tenderize.
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Less flavor absorption – seasonings and marinades don’t penetrate as well into frozen meat.
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Drying out – The fast cooking method can lead to dry, overcooked chops if not careful.
While none of these are deal breakers, you may get slightly better texture and flavor by thawing first. But in a pinch, the frozen chops will still taste great!
Tips for Better Results: Thaw First If Able
For best results, thawing frozen pork chops before cooking is recommended. Here are some tips:
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Place chops in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking.
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Use the defrost setting on your microwave if short on time.
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Submerge chops in cold water for 2-3 hours, changing water every 30 mins.
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Partially thaw just until chops bend but are still very cold inside.
Thawed chops will cook more evenly, have better texture, and absorb more flavor from seasonings. But again, not totally necessary!
How to Cook Frozen Pork Chops on a George Foreman Grill
If you do opt to cook directly from frozen, follow these tips:
1. Prep the chops – Lightly coat both sides with oil. Season simply with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the grill – Heat grill on high 5+ minutes until very hot.
3. Cook the first side – Place chops on grill and close lid. Cook 5 minutes.
4. Flip and cook – Flip chops and cook another 4-7 minutes until done.
5. Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm 145°F for medium.
6. Let rest – Rest chops 5 minutes before serving.
It’s that easy! The key is preheating well and monitoring closely to prevent overcooking.
Internal Temperature and Doneness Guide
When cooking pork chops, it’s vital they reach a safe internal temperature. Check with a meat thermometer in the thickest part:
- 145°F – Medium
- 150°F – Medium well
- 160°F – Well done
At 145°F, pork should still have a hint of pink inside but be fully cooked. Let chops rest 5+ minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
If unsure, it’s always better to cook chops until slightly overdone versus undercooked when dealing with frozen meat.
Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas
To boost flavor, try these quick seasoning ideas before grilling:
- Coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- Rub on a spice blend like jerk or cajun seasoning
- Brush with barbecue sauce or glaze last 2 minutes
- Marinate for 30 mins in balsamic, soy sauce, or teriyaki
- Coat with blackening seasoning and lemon juice
Get creative with spices and sauces to liven up frozen pork chops!
Tasty Ways to Serve George Foreman Grilled Pork Chops
Once grilled, here are some easy serving ideas:
- With rice pilaf or baked potatoes
- On a salad with blue cheese crumbles
- In tacos or fajitas with peppers and onions
- With roasted broccoli and Parmesan
- On ciabatta rolls for chops sandwiches
- Over spinach salad with balsamic dressing
- With zucchini noodles or spiralized carrots
Homemade sides like slaws, roasted veggies, or fruit salads pair nicely with juicy grilled pork chops. Get the whole family involved for an easy weeknight meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you completely cook frozen pork chops on a George Foreman?
Yes, George Foreman grills can safely and thoroughly cook frozen pork chops. The key is searing well on hot plates, monitoring with a meat thermometer, and adjusting cook times.
Should you flip frozen pork chops while cooking?
It’s recommended to flip frozen pork chops at least once mid-way through cooking. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting time needed.
How long does it take to cook 1-inch thick frozen pork chops?
1-inch thick frozen pork chops will take approximately 10-12 minutes total on a George Foreman grill. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then 5-7 more minutes until 145°F internally. Times vary on grill model.
Is it better to cook frozen or thawed pork chops?
Thawed chops are ideal as they cook more evenly and absorb flavors better. But frozen chops work in a pinch! Just allow extra time and monitor temperature closely when cooking from frozen.
Can you put raw marinade on frozen pork chops?
Yes, you can marinate frozen pork chops though it won’t penetrate deeply. Defrosting first allows marinade to absorb better. Cook safely by bringing chops to 160°F internal temperature.
Get Grilling Juicy George Foreman Pork Chops
Cooking frozen pork chops on a George Foreman grill is totally doable with the right technique. Allow extra preheat and cook time, monitor temperature carefully, and flavor simply.
While thawing first brings better results, frozen chops work fine when needed. Just be patient and cook thoroughly until the minimum safe internal temperature is reached.
With a little forethought and attention while grilling, you can enjoy tender, juicy pork chops in minutes with George Foreman convenience. Dinnertime has never been easier!
Easy Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 2 center-cut boneless pork chops, 1/2? – 3/4? thick
- 1 tsp any wet mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Vegetable oil for grilling
Total time: 45 min – Prep time: 40 min – Cook time: 5 min – Serves: 2 people
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients. Place the pork chops in a sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat the chops. You can allow the pork to sit out for at least 30 minutes. You can also make this in the morning and put the bag in the fridge for up to eight hours.
2. Preheat your George Foreman Grill for at least 5 minutes on high. Coat both plates of the grill with vegetable oil. Grill the pork chops with the top closed for 4 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. For medium, the internal temperature should be at least 145°F, and for well done, it should be up to 160°F. Continue to grill if necessary.
3. Remove the pork to a cutting board or plate and rest it for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides. Suggestions follow the recipes.
To keep with the theme of easy meal preparation, we chose side dishes that don’t take a lot of time to make. Pork pairs nicely with a starch and a green vegetable. Creamy polenta makes a nice bed to layer sliced pork on top of. You can start this while the pork is coming to room temperature prior to grilling. It can stay warm over very low heat if needed. You can always stir in a little milk if it starts to become too thick or too dry.
Green beans are also a great side with pork. Before you serve the beans, you can grill them on your Foreman Grill and let them cool down, almost like a salad.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups water
- 2 tsps sea salt
- 1-3/4 cups cornmeal
- 3 TBS unsalted butter
It takes 30 minutes to make, 25 minutes to cook, and 6 people can eat it (*see note in directions).
Directions:
1. In a large sauce pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and stir in the salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal until well blended.
2. Turn down the heat and stir the cornmeal often as it cooks until it’s soft and the water is gone. This will take approximately 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until it melts.
3. Serve some of the polenta with the pork chops. *Take the extra polenta and place it in a lightly oiled glass storage container or small baking dish. Cover this with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. The polenta will stiffen up. You can slice into 2” squares and grill them on Your George Foreman for another meal.
Easy Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 2 center-cut boneless pork chops, 1/2” to 3/4? thick
- 2 tsps extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Total time:10 min – Prep time:5 min – Cook time:5 min – Serves:2 people Author: Jason
Directions:
1. Brush the pork chops with EVOO on both sides. Season the pork all over with salt and pepper. Set the chops aside while you preheat the grill. Additional seasonings of your choice can be added at this point.
2. Preheat your George Foreman Grill for at least 5 minutes on high. Grill the pork chops with the top closed for 4 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. For medium, the internal temperature should be at least 145°F, and for well done, it should be up to 160°F. Continue to grill if necessary.
3. Remove the chops to a cutting board or plate and rest it for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides. Suggestions follow the recipes.