How to grill tomahawk pork chops?

How to Grill Tomahawk Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling pork chops can be a thrilling experience, especially when done correctly. Tomahawk pork chops, with their signature Frenched bone and rich, meaty flavor, are a popular choice for many grill enthusiasts. However, grilling these larger-than-life chops requires some skill and attention to detail. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to grill tomahawk pork chops to perfection.

Choosing the Right Tomahawk Pork Chops

Before we dive into the grilling process, it’s essential to select the right tomahawk pork chops. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Look for thick, bone-in chops: Tomahawk pork chops typically weigh around 1-1.5 pounds each. Choose chops with a thick, meaty portion and a well-formed bone.
• Opt for a fresh or frozen product: Freshness is crucial when grilling pork chops. If you can’t find fresh tomahawk pork chops, look for frozen products with a "flash frozen" label.
• Consider the marbling: Tomahawk pork chops with a good marbling score (MS) tend to be more tender and flavorful. Aim for chops with an MS of 5-7.

Preparing the Tomahawk Pork Chops

Once you’ve selected the right tomahawk pork chops, it’s time to prepare them for grilling. Here’s what you need to do:

• Bring the chops to room temperature: Remove the chops from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
• Season the chops: Sprinkle both sides of the chops with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Let the chops sit for 15 minutes: After seasoning, let the chops sit for 15 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb.

Grilling the Tomahawk Pork Chops

Now it’s time to fire up the grill and cook those chops. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preheating the Grill

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat: Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
• Clean the grates: Use a wire brush to clean the grates and remove any debris.

Grilling the Chops

• Place the chops on the grill: Carefully place the tomahawk pork chops on the grill, bone-side down.
• Close the lid: Close the grill lid and let the chops cook for 4-5 minutes or until they develop a nice sear.
• Flip the chops: Use a pair of tongs to flip the chops over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Internal Temperature Guide

• Medium-rare: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium: 160°F (71°C)
• Medium-well: 170°F (77°C)
• Well-done: 180°F (82°C)

Resting the Chops

After grilling the chops, it’s essential to let them rest before serving. Here’s why:

• Juices redistribute: Letting the chops rest allows the juices to redistribute, making them more tender and flavorful.
• Temperature evens out: The resting process helps the internal temperature of the chops to even out, ensuring a more consistent cooking experience.

Resting Time

• Let the chops rest for 5-10 minutes: After grilling, let the chops rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Slicing and Serving

Finally, it’s time to slice and serve your grilled tomahawk pork chops. Here are some tips:

• Slice against the grain: Slice the chops against the grain to ensure tender and easy-to-chew bites.
• Serve with your favorite sides: Tomahawk pork chops pair well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, and corn on the cob.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to keep in mind:

• Use a cast-iron skillet: If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook tomahawk pork chops in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop or in the oven.
• Add a glaze: Try adding a glaze, such as a BBQ sauce or a honey-bourbon glaze, to the chops during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Try different seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add unique flavors to your tomahawk pork chops.

Conclusion

Grilling tomahawk pork chops requires some skill and attention to detail, but with these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to cooking mouth-watering, tender, and flavorful chops. Remember to choose the right chops, prepare them properly, and grill them to perfection. Happy grilling!