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Home Recipes BBQ Recipes
Close-up of grilled pork chops with a caramelized crust and sauce, served on a white plate.

Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with Paprika Garlic Wet Rub

Kristen Stevens
By: Kristen Stevens
Updated: 05/01/2025
4.7 stars (107 ratings)
47 Comments
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

My juicy grilled pork chops are coated in a paprika-garlic wet rub made with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, which seasons the meat in the time it takes your grill to heat up. There’s no sugar, so the chops stay over direct heat from start to finish and come off charred outside and tender in the middle.

Close-up of grilled pork chops with charred edges and a shiny glaze, served on a white plate.

My grilled pork chops get their flavor from a wet rub made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. I stir it into a paste that clings to the meat. In recipe testing, I found that the paste seasoned the chops in the time it took my grill to heat up. You can also leave them in the fridge for up to 8 hours if you want to prep ahead.

I don’t add sugar to the rub, so the surface doesn’t burn before the center cooks through. That’s why I keep the chops over direct, medium-high heat with the lid closed for the whole cook, and the paprika picks up real char.

I use 1-inch boneless chops and pull them off at 145°F. Andrew, a reader who had given up on grilling pork chops because they always came out dry, told me in the comments that he now makes them this way.

I adore pork chops for dinner. If you love them too, check out all my pork chop recipes!

A close-up of a spoon lifting thick, reddish-brown taco sauce from a white bowl—perfect for drizzling over grilled pork chops.
Four cooked, seasoned grilled pork chops with a dark, slightly charred crust are arranged on a round, light-colored plate.

Serving suggestions

Since the grill is already hot, I like to cook a side right next to the pork chops. Grilled garlic butter mushrooms cook in about the same time as the chops, and the garlic butter goes well with the paprika rub. One reader, Susan, commented that she made them together and planned to make both again.

To balance the char, add something cool and crunchy: a creamy cucumber salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette. For a heartier plate, serve the chops with roasted potatoes or rice to catch the juices when you slice into them.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store: Keep leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm them gently in the microwave at 50% power, or in a covered skillet with a splash of water over medium-low heat, just until heated through. High heat dries them out.

Serve cold: Leftovers are just as good straight from the fridge. Slice them thinly and add them to a salad, tuck them into a sandwich, or serve them over rice, the way reader Frances does.

Tap stars to rate!
4.73 stars (107 ratings)
Close-up of grilled pork chops with a caramelized crust and sauce, served on a white plate.

Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with Paprika Garlic Wet Rub

Prep: 10 minutes mins
Rest Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
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A thick paste of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano goes on the pork chops while the grill heats. Grill them over direct heat with the lid closed, pull them at 145°F, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion granules
  • 1 tablespoon garlic granules
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 1-inch thick boneless pork chops

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until a thick paste forms.
    4 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon onion granules, 1 tablespoon garlic granules, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
    A spoonful of red marinade held above a white bowl containing more of the same marinade on a light, blurred surface.
  • Coat both sides of the pork chops with the paste, then set them aside on a plate to marinate while you warm the grill, or marinate for up to 8 hours in your fridge.
    4 1-inch thick boneless pork chops
    Person spreading a red spice rub onto raw pork chops on a white plate.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high. If you have a BBQ Mat, use it as it will help keep your BBQ clean.
    A black grill mat is placed flat on top of metal grill grates.
  • Grill the pork chops for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove them from the grill at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, then let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    Four pieces of seared pork chops are cooking on a flat grill plate, with a hand using metal tongs to turn one piece.

Video

Notes

The best way to know if your pork chops are cooked (and to not overcook them) is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Pork chops are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 well seasoned pork chop, Calories: 351kcal (18%), Carbohydrates: 4g (1%), Protein: 29g (58%), Fat: 23g (35%), Saturated Fat: 5g (31%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 90mg (30%), Sodium: 650mg (28%), Potassium: 568mg (16%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 162IU (3%), Vitamin C: 7mg (8%), Calcium: 35mg (4%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Kristen Stevens

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.

Close-up of grilled pork chops with a caramelized crust and sauce, served on a white plate.

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Kristen Stevens

Kristen Stevens

I'm Kristen, and I've been developing recipes at The Endless Meal since 2011, back when I was working as a nurse and running an underground supper club on the side. These days over a million readers visit each month for recipes built around big, bold flavor, crispy edges, jammy sauces, and craveable dinners. I test every recipe in my own kitchen in Squamish, BC, often with my husband and daughter as my first taste testers.

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Posted: 07/12/2019 Updated: 05/01/2025
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47 Comments
Sharon
Sharon

5 stars
Fantastic with so much flavor. 
I wanted to try this recipe because it is sugar free and I’m sooooo happy I did.  
This is a keeper for sure. 

0
Reply
Shane Hill
Shane Hill

5 stars
Oh my word. Made this for dinner tonight, along with a side of potatoes au gratin.

It is absolutely delicious and so, so flavorful. I grilled them on a cast iron ribbed lodge grill pan on the stove – it really imparted a charred and grilled flavor which was just divine. All of it.

This recipe is saved and will be a staple. Thanks so much for publishing this.

0
Reply
P Mama
P Mama

5 stars
I love this marinade! It was delicious on pork chops, and grilled zucchini and mixed into scrambled eggs. I think it will be my new go to!

0
Reply
Tim
Tim

3 stars
Meh,

0
Reply
Sue K.
Sue K.

5 stars
Just made these on the grill. Left on til thermometer read 160. They were wonderful…crisp on the outside; juicy and moist on the inside. Will definitely make them again! My new “go to” for grilled pork chops! 

0
Reply
BECKY SCHMITT
BECKY SCHMITT

My instant read thermometer died. How can I tell the chops are done?

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  BECKY SCHMITT

You can use the finger test … hold your thumb and ring finger together. Now feel the muscle area below your thumb … that’s what the pork chops should feel like when they’re done. Even when fully cooked, pork chops are often a little pink. But if you’re cooking without a thermometer, err on the side of caution and make sure that there is no more than the tiniest bit of pink inside.

0
Reply
Katherine
Katherine

I love this recipe and have always grilled the pork chops – my question is- can I sear these on the stovetop an finish them in the oven?

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  Katherine

I wouldn’t recommend searing them as the spices may burn. Have you seen our baked pork chop recipe? It might be just what you’re looking for!

0
Reply
yvon
yvon

5 stars
delicious, i did grill mine until thermometer read 165 – and they were still moist.

0
Reply
Susan Kirby-Cohn
Susan Kirby-Cohn

5 stars
I had my doubts… no brown sugar… but I  followed the recipe EXACTLY and to my utter delight the chops were so juicy, tender and flavorful!  The only small difference was that I did try to squeeze off the marinade before grilling since I don’t have a BBQ mat and didn’t want a mess. Also made the grilled garlic mushrooms. So tasty! Will definitely be making both again. YUM!

0
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Curt Peterson
Curt Peterson

5 stars
OMG, this recipe rocks! I’m adding pork chops to our routine after using this recipe! I didn’t have time to let the chops marinate so I put the rub into a Ziplock with the pork chops, I let the meat marinate for an hour, delicious!

0
Reply
Tara Holly
Tara Holly

5 stars
This was amazing on pork chops.  Can’t wait to try it on chicken! 

0
Reply
Sylvia
Sylvia

5 stars
Absolutely delicious! The pork is soooooo  tender! ,Made this for the second time tonight. Didn’t remember the mix being so spicy. Found out after we had finished that husband had put the wrong lid on the wrong spice jar; instead of 2 tbsp of paprika, I had used 2 tbsp of hot chilli powder! It should have been inedible but wasn’t. 

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  Sylvia

Oh man that sounds spicy!!

0
Reply
John Baker
John Baker
Reply to  Sylvia

No, spicy would have been chipotle powder… yummy! signed, dedicated chilihead.

0
Reply
Pam
Pam

5 stars
Grilled two inch chops last night using your marinade and they were outstanding! This recipe could not be easier and utilizes ingredients that you probably already have at home. You can please a crowd of guests with an abundance of flavor with this preparation, and not wear out the chef in the process. Highly recommend

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  Pam

That’s so great to hear, Pam! Thank you for the comment!

0
Reply
JENNIFER SCHMIDT
JENNIFER SCHMIDT

5 stars
Great flavor and very juicy! Definitely would make again.

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  JENNIFER SCHMIDT

That’s great, Jennifer! Thank you for the comment!

0
Reply
Donna Goldenberg
Donna Goldenberg

I want to make the grilled pork chops.  Can you tell me all of the measurements for the Marinade?

0
Reply
Kristen Stevens
Kristen Stevens
Author
Reply to  Donna Goldenberg

All the ingredients and amounts are in the recipe card. It’s just above the comments section. 🙂

0
Reply
daniel
daniel

5 stars
Pork has always been my favorite dish, no matter how is prepared am always ready to eat. I also like the way you have shown the nutritional value.

0
Reply
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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen Stevens

I’m a self-taught chef, food photographer, and author of the cookbook Sugar Free Dinner Recipes. Since 2011, I’ve been sharing my well-tested, approachable recipes and helping home cooks like you feel confident in the kitchen. My work has been featured in The Pioneer Woman, The Everygirl, Self, and more. Let’s have some fun cooking together.

Learn more!

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