The Best Pork Chop Seasoning
On March 28, 2023
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Homemade Pork Chop Seasoning is one of those pantry staples to always have on hand. It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory with simple spices so it is a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Pork Chop Seasoning
I believe the best seasoning for pork chops is one that you can make quickly without spending a ton of money on strange and unique ingredients you’ll never use for anything else. This pork chop seasoning is a simple blend of basic ingredients, but the secret is in the ratios. This blend is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky with just a little kick of spice at the end.
My pork chop seasoning recipe calls for smoked paprika to bring an extra element of flavor to your pork chops. It is very simple to find in stores and I recommend picking up a bottle to try in any recipe that calls for paprika for a hint of wood-fired flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika is totally fine. Be aware that there are several additional varieties of paprika that vary from sweet to hot, so just read the label so you don’t end up with super spicy paprika!
Grilled Pork Chop Seasoning
This recipe was developed as a grilled pork chop seasoning, however, I found that it works beautifully on baked pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, and more!
The secret, no matter how you are cooking your pork chops, is to start at a lower temperature (for grilling, use indirect heat so the pork chops aren’t right above the fire). This allows the seasoning to cook and coat the outside of the pork chops.
Pork Chop Seasoning Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this seasoning. These are all pretty basic ingredients that you will likely already have in your pantry. And if you don’t have them all, they’re easily found in most grocery stores.
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and use immediately. You can also store this seasoning in a sealed glass jar for up to 6 months for the best flavor.
How to Season Pork Chops
You’ve got your seasoning ready to go, now you just need to know how to season pork chops.
- Season. Start with fully defrosted pork chops and sprinkle the pork chop seasoning liberally on all sides of the chops. I like to use my hands and sprinkle the seasoning on the pork chops from 8-10 inches above. This allows the seasonings to distribute evenly. You don’t need to rub the seasoning into the meat, as it can clump the brown sugar, but I do like to press the seasoning into the meat with the palm of my hand. I recommend seasoning just a few minutes before grilling.
- Grill. With your grill preheated to 400 degrees F for two-zone cooking, place the pork chops over the indirect heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- Sear. Just before your pork chops are done, move them over to the direct heat side of the grill. This allows them to sear and develop a beautiful exterior crust. There is some sugar in the pork chop seasoning, so watch closely during this step to make sure the seasoning caramelizes but doesn’t burn. It should only take a minute or two!
More Seasoning Recipes
Check out these other amazing seasoning recipes from Hey Grill Hey. They’ll all taste amazing on pork (and just about anything else you have on the BBQ!)
Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe
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This post was originally published in October 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
Pork Chop Seasoning
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make the seasoning. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk or fork to break up any clumps of brown sugar.
- Use or store. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Sprinkle liberally onto pork chops before grilling, baking, or searing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m trying today on charcoal grill but put rub on hours before I’m actually going to grill ,let you know results
Best dry rub I have used. This will be my all time favorite. Thank you for sharing and posting.
This is my first time trying your pork chop seasoning and found it to be an excellent rub for pork. I used the rub by sprinkling on both sides of the pork steaks and the pork loin chops. Then I lit the chimney of charcoal for the grill allowing my chops to sit and absorb the rub. It has the most aromatic aroma I have found yet! And once the charcoal was ready, and the chops were cooking I love the scent coming from my grill! It’s an easy rub to use! Common spices in my cabinet and easy to apply. Once they were done and removed from the grill you could already tell how tender they were and juicy too! They were excellent! The searing at the end gave them the crust and the brown sugar s caramelized flavor! Best tasting chops I have ever made! If I change anything it would be to add a couple of more spoons of brown sugar .
I had to substitute some of the ingredients I think the sugar is the secret ingredient.It was really easy and stayed in the chops on both sides.I use to use pre oil and spice impregnated paper wraps They don’t seem available in the midlands in GB
Great Dry Rub ! Used this on boneless pork chops only using half of the Cayenne Pepper. I did brine my chops so didn’t add salt. Spred generously And Baked them in oven. . Both my Hubby and Granddaughter ( both are really picky eaters ) absolutely Loved Them! Both went back for seconds, that was a 1st. Note Also used this rub on brined chicken breasts and tenders. Left rub on for for 1/2 –1 hour then baked in oven. Delicious!!
Hi just used my Tower twin air fryerIt has a meat setting 200 centigrade 12 mins I preheated the pan turned chops once.2 large chops fitted in one pan.
Awesome flavor!!! i had to cook fry them in some light oil on top of stove. They turned out perfect. I cant wait to grill them, its snowing where i am. i could’nt resist making them lol I would love to know how to use them in my air fryer.
So easy to put together in a snap and tastes absolutely delicious!!!