Mastering the Art of Grilling Thin Cut Pork Chops

Juicy, flavorful grilled pork chops are a summertime staple. But getting thin cut pork chops right off the grill can be tricky. With less fat and connective tissue thin chops cook lightning fast and are prone to drying out. Luckily with the right prep and techniques, you can achieve tender, moist chops with a nice char every time.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling thin cut pork chops to crispy, juicy perfection. Let’s dive in!

Why Go Thin? Benefits of Thin Cut Pork Chops

While thick pork chops have their merits, there are several advantages to opting for thin cut chops:

• Cook faster, ideal for weeknights
• Pick up more flavor and char from the grill
• Easy to cook evenly without drying out
• Versatile for sandwiches, tacos, skewers, etc.
• Less expensive per serving

Thin chops are cut from the loin section and usually around 1/2 inch thick. Their leanness makes them perfect for soaking up spice rubs and marinades. Plus you can cook up a quick weeknight dinner in about 8-10 minutes.

Grilling Prep for Perfect Thin Chops

Proper prep is key for grilling thin pork chops to juicy perfection. Here are some tips

• Pat dry – Blot chops with paper towels before seasoning so spices stick better.

• Trim fat – For thin chops, remove excess outer fat so it doesn’t flare up.

• Season generously – Coat both sides with salt, pepper and spices. Go bold!

• Let sit – After seasoning, rest 10-15 minutes for flavors to penetrate.

• Use a grill basket – Arrange chops in a grill basket to easily flip multiple at once.

How to Grill Thin Pork Chops to Perfection

Once your chops are prepped, it’s go time! Follow these steps:

• Heat grill to medium-high. For thin chops, no need to go above 400°F.

• Clean and oil grates. Use a grill brush and oil to prevent sticking.

• Sear chops 2 minutes per side. Get nice grill marks and char without overcooking.

• Flip only once. Resist the urge to move them too much which can dry them out.

• Check temperature. Cook until they reach 145°F for safe, juicy pork.

• Let rest 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.

It’s that easy. From grill to plate in about 8 minutes!

Smoke and Spice Ideas

One benefit of quick-cooking thin chops is you can layer on bold flavors. Get creative with spice rubs, marinades and sauces:

• Smoky – Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic
• Tex-Mex – Ancho chile, cilantro, lime, onion
• Asian – Ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic
• BBQ – Brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard
• Herb – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon zest

Bring those thin chops to life with mouthwatering flavors!

Handy Grilling Tips and Tricks

Take your pork chop grilling expertise to the next level with these helpful tips:

• Let chops sit at room temp 15-30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

• Try a “compound butter” by blending herbs, spices, citrus into softened butter and slathering on chops.

• If chops begin to char too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill.

• Use tongs instead of piercing chops with a fork, which can cause moisture loss.

• Add a disposable foil pan with water under the grate to add humidity and prevent drying.

Choosing the Right Thickness

While thin pork chops are typically around 1/2 inch, you can find them in a range of thicknesses:

• 1/4 inch – Very quick cooking but can dry out easily. Best for stir fries.

• 1/2 inch – The classic thin chop for weeknight grilling.

• 3/4 inch – A bit more forgiving if you prefer slightly thicker.

• 1 inch – Borderline thick cut chop. Allows a little more time on grill.

No matter the thickness, monitor temperature and don’t overcook!

Grilled Thin Pork Chop Recipe Inspiration

Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative with recipes like:

• Pesto Grilled Pork Chops – Bright basil pesto flavor

• BBQ Pork Chops – Smoky, sweet, sticky sauce

• Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops – Spicy and herbaceous

• Caprese Pork Chops – Fresh mozzarella and tomato

• Thai Chili Pork Chops – Grilled lime and chili marinade

Take your chops on a world tour of flavors!

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

While pork chops are stellar on their own, they pair beautifully with these sides:

• Summer corn on the cob – Grill alongside chops

• Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy cabbage balances richness

• Baked beans – Smoky, sweet and traditional

• Roasted potatoes – Crispy spuds catch any pork drippings

• Greens salad – Fresh contrast to charred chops

Mix and match to create a well-rounded cookout meal.

Cooking Thin Chops on a Skillet or Grill Pan

While the grill may be ideal, you can also cook thin pork chops to juicy perfection indoors:

• Use a heavy skillet or grill pan to mimic grill marks and flavor.

• Choose a pan with high sides to prevent splatter. Cast iron works great.

• Get the pan screaming hot before adding oil and chops.

• Flip only once during cooking. Resist poking or moving them.

• Optional step: Finish chops in a 400°F oven for more even cooking, especially for thicker chops.

While you’ll miss out on smoky char, stove-top thin chops can be just as delicious.

Mastering thin cut pork chops off the grill results in a quick weeknight dinner with massive flavor. With the right seasoning, temperature control, and doneness, you’ll achieve tender and juicy chops every time.

Experiment with different spice rubs and sauces to liven up this staple grilling meat. Serve alongside fresh vegetables, potatoes or beans for the perfect summer meal with minimal effort. Once you get the method down, you may never go back to thick chops again!