Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook thin pork chops on your Traeger grill?
Look no further! With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned Traeger pro or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking thin pork chops on your grill.
So fire up your Traeger and get ready to enjoy some mouth-watering pork chops!
How To Cook Thin Pork Chops On Traeger Grill?
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Begin by taking your thin pork chops out of the packaging and patting them dry with a paper towel. Drizzle them with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you prefer.
Step 2: Preheat the Traeger Grill
Preheat your Traeger grill to 450°F. Once the grill is preheated, place the pork chops directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid to the Traeger and let them cook for about 6 minutes.
Step 3: Flip the Pork Chops
After 6 minutes, flip the pork chops over and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop.
Choosing The Right Pork Chops
When choosing pork chops for your Traeger grill, it’s important to consider the thickness of the meat. Thin pork chops, which are typically less than 1 inch thick, are great for quick and easy meals. However, they can be tricky to cook without overcooking or drying out.
Look for pork chops that are evenly sized and have a good amount of marbling, which will help keep the meat moist and tender. If possible, choose bone-in pork chops, as they tend to have more flavor than boneless cuts.
When preparing thin pork chops for the Traeger grill, it’s important to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Since thin cuts of meat cook quickly, it’s easy to overcook them and end up with tough, dry pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F before removing from the grill.
Preparing The Pork Chops For Grilling
Before you start grilling your thin pork chops on a Traeger grill, it’s important to properly prepare them. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your pork chops are seasoned and ready for the grill:
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut
When it comes to grilling pork chops, it’s important to choose the right cut. Thin pork chops are ideal for grilling because they cook quickly and evenly. Look for bone-in or boneless pork chops that are about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
To add flavor to your pork chops, season them with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Drizzle the pork chops with olive oil to help the seasonings stick.
Step 3: Let the Pork Chops Rest
After seasoning the pork chops, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature and cook more evenly on the grill.
Step 4: Preheat the Traeger Grill
Preheat your Traeger grill to 450°F. This high heat will help sear the outside of the pork chops and lock in moisture.
Step 5: Grill the Pork Chops
Once your grill is preheated, place the pork chops directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid to the Traeger and let them cook for about 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, flip the pork chops over and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Seasoning Your Pork Chops
The key to delicious pork chops is in the seasoning. For thin pork chops, it’s important to use a seasoning that will complement the meat without overpowering it. Begin by mixing together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you prefer. Some great options include onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Once you have your seasoning mix ready, drizzle the pork chops with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the meat. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
For even more flavor, consider marinating your pork chops in the seasoning mix for a few hours before grilling. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and create a more complex taste.
When grilling thin pork chops on a Traeger grill, it’s important to use a seasoning that can stand up to the smoky flavor of the grill. The combination of smoke and seasoning will create a mouth-watering aroma that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Setting Up Your Traeger Grill For Cooking
Before you start cooking your thin pork chops on your Traeger grill, it’s important to properly set up your grill for cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Assemble Your Grill
If you haven’t already assembled your Traeger grill, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in the manual. This will ensure that your grill is set up correctly and ready for use.
Step 2: Season and Burn-In Your Grill
The first time you use your Traeger grill, you must go through the season and burn-in phase. This ensures that any oil is burnt off and your auger is primed and ready. Follow the instructions provided by Traeger to complete this process.
Step 3: Add Wood Pellets to the Hopper
Add your preferred wood pellets to your grill’s hopper. This is the large metal box attached to the main body of the grill. If your Traeger runs out of pellets while cooking, you can add more from the hopper.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
To preheat your Traeger grill, open the grill’s lid and switch it on. This can be done by toggling the power switch found on your unit’s control panel to the On setting. Set the temperature dial to 450°F and let the grill come up to temperature by letting it sit for around 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Place Pork Chops on Grill
Once your grill has reached 450°F, place your seasoned pork chops directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid to the Traeger and let them cook for about 6 minutes.
Step 6: Monitor Cooking Temperature
It’s important to monitor the cooking temperature of your pork chops using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F before removing from the grill.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to properly set up your Traeger grill for cooking thin pork chops and ensure that they come out perfectly cooked every time.
Cooking Your Thin Pork Chops On The Traeger
Cooking thin pork chops on a Traeger grill requires a slightly different approach than cooking thicker chops. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Thin pork chops cook quickly, so it’s important to season them well before grilling. Use your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle the pork chops with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
Step 2: Preheat the Traeger Grill
Preheat your Traeger grill to 450°F. Once the grill is preheated, place the pork chops directly onto the grill grates. Close the lid to the Traeger and let them cook for about 6 minutes.
Step 3: Flip the Pork Chops
After 6 minutes, flip the pork chops over and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chop.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop.
Cooking thin pork chops on a Traeger grill is quick and easy. Just remember to season them well, preheat your grill, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to perfection. Enjoy!
Checking For Doneness And Resting Your Pork Chops
Checking for doneness is crucial when cooking pork chops to ensure that they are safe to eat and have the desired texture and taste. The easiest and most accurate way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the pork chop, taking care to avoid any bones. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the numbers hold steady at 145°F.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use other methods to test for doneness. One way is to test the firmness of the pork chop. Press down on the top of the pork chop with tongs or your fingertip to test the texture. If it feels firm but springs back to shape with clear juices, it’s done. Raw meat will feel soft and release a darker liquid. If the meat feels very firm and does not release juice, it’s most likely overcooked.
Another way to test for doneness is by piercing the pork chop with a fork or knife and checking that the juices run clear. If they have more than a very slight hint of pink, put the pork back in to cook more.
Once your pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about five minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork chop. While resting, some carryover cooking will occur, so make sure not to overcook your pork chops before removing them from the grill.
