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    Home » Budget Recipes

    Grilled Balsamic Pork Chops Recipe (84 cents/serving)

    Published: Jun 11, 2020 · Modified: Apr 20, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
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    Fresh basil and tangy balsamic vinegar add rich flavor to this grilled pork chops recipe. Make a double batch of Balsamic Pork Chops and freeze one for a later date.

    stack of grilled pork chops on rectangle platter this …

    That means it’s time to cook outside, eat ice cream, and try to stay cool. Am I right?

    That’s why it’s so important to have a meal plan, preferably one that is grill-worthy. That’s where these pork chops come in.

    Grilled Balsamic Pork Chops

    This is a super easy recipe that you can pull off in a matter of minutes. The marinade mixes up quickly, so you can set those chops in an herb and vinegar bath right away. About fifteen minutes before serving time, you’ll place the chops on a hot grill. In no time, you’ll be sitting down to quite the tasty meal.

    My family thought I was serving them steak when they came to the table this weekend. Au contraire. It was “the other white meat”, but chops look a little like steak, so if they want to feel fancy, alrighty then.

    stack of balsamic pork chops on platter on red check cloth

    How long does it take to grill pork chops?

    Grilled pork chops don’t take long to cook at all. You want to cook pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a 3 minute rest time.

    Getting your meat to that temperature will depend on how thick the chops are cut and how high your heat. On a grill which runs pretty hot naturally, it should take about ten to fifteen minutes to grill pork chops.

    How long should you marinate pork chops?

    The flavor of a marinades often intensifies in the meat the longer it’s marinated. However, if you marinate it too long, the meat can become mushy.

    Marinate these pork chops for 1 to 4 hours for best texture and flavor.

    What can you serve with this grilled pork chops recipe?

    Grilled pork chops are delicious served alongside summer salads and potato dishes. I particularly enjoy these balsamic and basil pork chops served with Deli Potato Salad and a big green salad.

    grilled balsamic pork chop on dinner plate

    How do you make marinated pork chops?

    This recipe is super simple to prepare.

    1. Mix up the marinade.
    2. Pour it over the meat and allow the flavors to do their thing.
    3. Grill the pork chops over a hot grill and serve.

    Can you freeze marinated pork chops?

    Freezing pork chops in their marinade is a nice and easy way to meal prep. You can freeze the marinade and the pork chops together in one bag or you can freeze them separately and combine them prior to serving.

    step by step photo collage for making balsamic pork chops

    How much does this grilled pork chops recipe cost to make?

    Anytime you’re making homemade, it’s important to determine if you’re really saving money. Let’s crunch the numbers on this recipe:

    • balsamic vinegar – $0.72 ($3.49/12.7 oz)
    • Dijon – $0.07 ($1.69/12 oz)
    • basil – $0.25 ($1.99/.5 oz)
    • salt – $0.01 ($2.99/26 oz)
    • pepper – $0.03 ($3.79/4 oz)
    • olive oil – $1.00 ($6.49/16 oz)
    • pork chops $2.98 ($1.99/lb)

    A batch of these grilled pork chops costs $5.06 or $0.84 per serving.

    Considering that a grilled pork chop dinner at a restaurant is easily going to cost 10 bucks, I think it’s worth to make your own. Even if you pulled out all the stops with your side dishes, you’re still going to save money.

    Talk about Good Cheap Eats! That’s better than winning at Monopoly, I should say.

    Want to make some easy Grilled Balsamic Pork Chops?

    sliced pork chop on plate with fork and side dishes

    If you prepare this recipe, be sure to share a picture on social media and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!
    stack of balsamic pork chops on platter on red check cloth
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    5 from 1 vote

    Grilled Pork Chops with Basil-Balsamic Marinade

    Fresh basil and tangy balsamic vinegar add rich flavor to these grilled pork chops. Make a double batch and freeze one for a later date.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Marinating Time4 hrs
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 291kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 6 boneless pork loin chops about ¾ to 1-inch thick
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a shallow glass dish, whisk together the vinegar, Dijon, basil, and pepper. Add the oil in a thin stream.
    • Place the pork chops in the marinade, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
    • Heat the grill about 30 minutes before serving time.
    • About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, cook the chops on the hot grill, turning once, until the internal temperature reads 145°, about 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Remove the meat from the grill and tent with foil. Allow to rest for three minutes before serving.

    Notes

    Promptly store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
    Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 pork chop as well as excess marinade that should be discarded.
    To make as a freezer meal: place the marinade in a labeled, ziptop freezer bag. Add the pork chops. Store in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Thaw on a tray in the refrigerator prior to cooking. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 534mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag Me Today!Mention @goodcheapeatsblog or tag #goodcheapeats!

    This post was originally published on August 4, 2013. It has been updated for content and clarity on June 9, 2020.

    collage of different plates of pork chops

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    Comments

    1. Diana

      July 11, 2020 at 11:58 am

      This looks like a great, easy recipe I cant wait to try! Will it work well with chicken? I happen to have some ready to marinade & wanna try it right away!?

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 11, 2020 at 1:46 pm

        Yes, should be great!

        Reply
    2. kira

      August 16, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      is this a recipe you would recommend freezing ahead with the chops in the marinade?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        August 16, 2013 at 7:37 pm

        I think it should be fine, but I haven’t tested it. Let me know if you do?

        Reply
    3. Carolyn

      August 07, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Jessica, that is a great deal on those pork chops! I’ll be trying that recipe.
      Question: considering you try to stay with organic food, are you strict on buying organic/pastured meats?
      I just stumbled on a sale at a local grocery store – fresh chicken for $1.99/lb. I picked up six of them. I froze three and am cooking the others – for the meat and for the stock, which I’ve been out of stock for ages. I know they weren’t pastured – the prices for pastured chicken is $4.99/lb. I can’t afford it. I just closed my eyes and thanked God for a good sale. I was just wondering how you handled the organic/pastured meat. Maybe it’s just way less expensive where you live?
      thanks, Carolyn

      Reply
      • Jessica

        August 07, 2013 at 10:43 am

        I am not strict on organic or pastured meat because they are hugely expensive here. I buy conventional unless I see a really good sale. I know all about “just close my eyes and thank God for a good sale.” 🙂

        Reply

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