This easy grilled pork chops recipe is delicious and family friendly. The simple grilled pork chops are paired with a delicious simple cherry couscous recipe that your family will fight over.
I’m getting really excited, guys. The temperatures are no longer 100 each day. Slowly, it is getting just a little bit cooler out. The kids in our town went back to school today. Do you know what that means? Fall is coming!! Fall is my favorite time of year – cardigans, hot cider, pumpkins, and cardigans! Camping, and corn mazes, and cardigans! Um, I kind of like cardigans. It’s not quite time for cardigans yet, but its sooo close, so close!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this dish! The pork chops are simple yet tasty, but the real star here was the couscous. Oh man, the couscous. I think I ate not only a second helping of this, but a third! And then Joel and I fought over what was left of it and I ate even more. Haha. Yes, its good.
How to Make Cherry Couscous
Cherry Couscous is a simple and easy side dish that really shines next to grilled pork chops! It would also be a great side dish to serve with steaks or grilled chicken.
- Cook couscous according to package directions.
- When cooked, add in olive oil, cherries, green onions, sliced almonds, lemon zest and juice, and then fluff and toss with a fork!
- Enjoy!
How to make the perfect grilled pork chops
- For perfect grilled pork chops, start with quality and thick cut pork chops.
- Bring the pork chops to room temperature before grilling. Take them out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before grilling.
- Brush the pork chops with olive oil on both sides before grilling (or give them a spray of cooking spray), this will help to create gorgeous beautiful grill lines.
- Preheat your grill to 350 F before you place the pork chops on.
What cut of pork chops is best for grilling?
- This recipe works equally well with bone in pork chops or loin chops.
- I chose to use loin chops.
- Make sure you buy a chop that is about 1.5″ – 2″ thick.
What temperature should Grilled Pork Chops Be?
- Gone are the days when pork chops need to be cooked until they resemble shoe leather.
- Grill pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F. Rest for 3 minutes before enjoying.
- The pork chops will be slightly pink inside, but will be tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
How to get your kids involved in the kitchen:
Getting your kids in the kitchen is an amazing way to help them be more interested in trying new foods and confident in their own abilities. This grilled pork chop and cherry couscous are perfect recipes to get your kids involved in because it is so easy and simple! Here are some simple tasks you can give your children to do:
- Kids aged 1-3 can help you measure out ingredients for the couscous, stir the final cooked couscous together and set the table.
- Kids aged 4-6 can help you do everything above, plus help remove the cherry pits, slice the green onions, zest and juice the lemon.
- Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help you grill the pork chops.
*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.
Love Pork Chops? Try these easy weeknight pork chop recipes:
- Pork Chops Apple Kholrabi Slaw – These easy pork chops are paired with a vibrant and crispy slaw that is the perfect accompaniment.
- Grilled Pork Chops with Orange and Grape Salsa – Summer on a plate! These easy spiced grilled pork chops are paired with a vibrant and fun salsa that is perfect for hot steamy summer nights.
- Cocoa Spiced Pork Chops with Berry Compote – These easy pork chops are rubbed with a cocoa and spice mixture that gives them a lovely depth of flavor that the whole family will enjoy. Served with an easy berry compote that that turns these easy weeknight pork chop recipe into a special meal.
- Smothered Pork Chops with Mashed Cheddar Buttercup Squash – These braised pork chops are smothered in a tomato and mushroom sauce and paired with cheesy mahed buttercup squash for a hearty and flavorful fall meal.
- Braised Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce – These easy braised pork chops are a perfect 30 minute recipe. Served with an easy balsamic cherry pan sauce made with leeks and rosemary . Special enough for a Sunday dinner but easy enough for a quick weeknight!
- Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce – This Pan Fried Pork Chop Recipe with Apple Cranberry Sauce is an easy family friendly weeknight meal with simple ingredients but tons of flavor.
Yield: 4 Servings
Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous
This easy pork chop recipe is delicious and family friendly. The simple grilled pork chops are paired with a delicious cherry couscous that your family will fight over.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP olive oil, divided
- 4 (6 ounce) pork chops
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- cooking spray
- 1 cup uncooked couscous
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 cup coursely chopped pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/3 cup dry roasted almonds, chopped roughly
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush 1 TBSP of olive oil evenly over both sides of the pork and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Place the pork on the grill rack and grill 4 minutes per side or until done. Let pork stand for 5 minutes.
- Place the couscous in a large bowl and add 3/4 cup boiling water.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Uncover, fluff with a fork, and stir in the remaining 2 TBSP of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, the cherries, green onions, almonds, lemon zest and juice.
- Serve with the pork.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 648mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 6g
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I LOVE autumn/fall! It's still very warm here (by British standards anyway)(and I'm actually wearing a cardigan, haha), but I'm anxiously checking for signs of autumnal light or a cold nip in the morning air.
What a beautiful dish! The cherry couscous sounds outrageously good. Must give it a go. 🙂
I love fall too! And this cherry couscous is totally calling to me.
Pork and cherry – sounds fab. Have a great week.
PS No doubt you have been busy but it would be super if you followed Carole's Chatter back.
Love the idea of cherry and pork together. Cherry Couscous is literally a must now. Such a delicious flavor and pairs so well with so many things. Thanks for a great recipe!
Thanks for providing the tips for making the pork chops. It definitely helped! Love the cherries in the couscous too. Thanks again!