Greek-Style Grilled Pork Chops With Marinade

By
Lynn Livanos Athan
Lynn Livanos Athan
First-generation Greek American, Lynn Livanos Athan has published many recipes. She has culinary school training and teaches Greek cooking.
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Updated on 07/19/21
Pork Chop
Sebastien Bergeron/E+/Getty Images
Prep: 60 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
299 Calories
21g Fat
24g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 437mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 87mg 433%
Calcium 82mg 6%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 562mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A perfect traditional Greek pork chop, called brizola in Greece, is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe delivers just that. The trick is in the marinade and in using bone-in chops. The bones help the chops retain their moisture during the cooking process. 

If you don't like pork chops or just want to try another protein, the marinade also works very well with chicken. Follow the same steps and use the marinade for chicken thighs, breasts, or a variety of parts. Once you grill your meat, add a side of fried potatoes and or a big Greek salad to finish the meal off. Do note that the recipe calls for the chops to be marinated for at least an hour (longer is better). Plan ahead. If you are grilling for dinner, you could make the marinade in the morning and let the chops soak up the tasty flavors all day long.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 pork loin rib chops, about 3/4-inch thick

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 large lemons, for juice

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Whisk the marinade ingredients in a bowl: olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. 

  2. Place the chops in a shallow pan or other nonreactive container. Pour the marinade over the chops. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Longer is better. 

  3. Grill over medium-high heat until the chops reach your desired degree of doneness.

  4. Allow the chops to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into them.

  5. Give the chops a sprinkle of coarse salt and a squeeze or two of lemon juice prior to serving.

Tips and Variations: 

  • Red wine vinegar can be used in place of the Worcestershire if you prefer a somewhat milder marinade.

  • Some traditional recipes call for 1 chopped red onion in the marinade as well.

  • Chops usually take about 6 to 7 minutes per side, but cooking times will vary. If you know your grill, you probably have a good feel for how long the chops must cook to turn out the way you like them, but keep in mind that pork cooks more quickly than beef and is very easy to overcook. This could turn your culinary masterpiece into a chewy, dried-out mess. If you're unsure, err on the side of less time, not more. 

  • Alternatively, you can sear the chops first, then finish them off in the oven. Either way, a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop should read no less than 145 F. 

  • Allowing the chops to rest for a bit before cutting helps them retain their moisture. Remember, they're still cooking internally even after they're removed from the heat source. If you cut too soon and the juices escape; this will result in dry meat as well. 

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