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.
Love it. Even my kids eat them up.
Followed the recipe and suggestions for grilling thick cup pork porterhouse chops and they came out very nice. Everyone loved it and many went for seconds. This is my go to pork chop recipe from now on. Thanks for posting.
Jerry B. Just want to say the rub is amazing. i have used it several times and going to use it more. we now have the best pork chops anywhere. Thanks so much.
Would you suggest a brine, before doing this rub? Thanks
Nope! I mean, you can if you want to but it isn’t usually needed.
WOW! This is the best seasoning rub I have I have ever made. I used 1/8 tsp of Cayenne pepper because my boys don’t like to much spice. We all thought it was the perfect amount.
I highly recommend this rub seasoning recipe.
My ex wife used a green seasoning for pork chops I can’t very well ask her but I always wondered what seasoning she used that had a green color? It really brought the flavor of the chops out. Anyone have an idea what it could have been?
Tried to do this and ended up forgetting about it WAY after the 6-month storage time. I was looking for a really good recipe and was disappointed to see you have to store it for SO long. So I just did salt and pepper.
The 6-month storage time is just a shelf life. You can use it immediately.
Fantastic! I left out the cayenne for kids. I added the brown sugar at the last minute so it wouldn’t burn.
About to try this new recipe today,Chips on the gas grill
Could you use this pork rub on beef and chicken, as well?
Of course!