The Best Pork Chop Seasoning
On March 28, 2023 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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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.
Great recipe! I appreciate the paprika, always tasty! If I’m in a pinch though using a whole ingredient all spice like Hometown Number 1 is a great substitute or starter spice mix.
How would this do to put on chops and cppked in pressure cooker
I’m sure it’d be great!
Susie,
Where do you suggest to go to buy the best ingredients for home made rubs.
It depends on the quantity of rub you’re making! Try to find them in bulk.
Wow. My pork chops came out similar to a five start resteraunt’s. Ill always use this. Everyone at home loved it. Thank you so much for the inspiration. I never really liked pork chop dinners before this using this recipe, but im already looking forward to my next chop with this rub. I accidentally put cinnamon powder instead of cayenne, but instead of throwing it out I used it anyway and everything came out delicious.
Awesome rub! I added some pecan wood in with my charcoal to give it some smoke. The smell and taste was amazing.
Tried your recipe last night on oven roasted pork chops. Fantastic! Will definitely be making more!
I’m so glad you liked it!
Tried it tonight. Had to substitute crushed red pepper for the cayenne peeper. Put them on the grill and WOW! My picky eater 15 year old had seconds. Saving this recipe!
I’m so glad you liked it!
Tried the recipe and was extremely satisfied. Very tasty pork chops!!
I don’t! Sounds like a great idea though!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you liked it!
OMG! This was amazing. I was wanting more pork chops because it tasted so good! Will definitely make again.
Awesome! Way to nail it Leanne!
Excellent seasoning!
Thank you!
Used this rub tonight on baked pork chops. It was a hit with the family. Everyone loved it! I used errithrytol instead of the sugar since we are doing keto. I rubbed the entire chop with olive oil and then coated all sides with it. Delicious!