Juicy Sicilian Pork Chops with Herbs, Garlic, and Lemon Recipe
Juicy Sicilian Pork Chops marinated with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, grilled to perfection. This flavorful Italian-inspired dish features bone-in pork chops that are tender, aromatic, and juicy, perfect for a satisfying main course that is both gluten-free and low-carb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (cilantro can be substituted)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (dried can be used in a pinch)
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano (dried works too)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Garnish
- 2 slices lemon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (extra parsley or rosemary)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh rosemary, fresh oregano, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, kosher or sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Pork Chops: Place the bone-in pork chops into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 to 4 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: When ready to cook, heat your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. This will ensure a nice sear and proper cooking of the pork chops.
- Grill the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off to prevent burning. Place the chops on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which is the safe temperature for pork.
- Rest and Serve: After grilling, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy bites. Garnish with optional lemon slices and fresh herbs before serving warm.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness of the pork chops.
- Bone-in pork chops provide more flavor and help retain moisture compared to boneless.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used but use approximately one-third of the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.
- Optional garnishes like lemon slices and fresh herbs add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.