Grilled Pork with Courgette
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've spent all day cooking. Tender pork chops pair beautifully with grilled courgettes that become sweet and caramelized on the grill. The fresh lemon and garlic create this amazing bright sauce that brings everything to life. What I love most is that courgettes are packed with vitamin C and fiber while being incredibly low in calories, so you get a nutritious meal without any guilt. It's simple, impressive, and honestly costs very little to make.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 4pork chops(1.5 inches thick)
- 3courgettes(medium-sized)
- 5 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 2lemon(zested and juiced)
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tablespoonsfresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred chilli flakes
- 1 tablespoonhoney
- 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and red chilli flakes in a small bowl. Set the garlic oil aside.
Tip: Prepare this infusion at least 10 minutes before grilling to allow flavours to meld.
- 2
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with remaining olive oil.
Tip: Dry meat ensures better browning and crust formation on the grill.
- 3
Trim the ends of courgettes and slice lengthwise into thin, even strips using a mandoline or vegetable peeler. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the garlic oil mixture and season with salt and pepper.
Tip: Thin slices cook quickly and develop beautiful char marks.
- 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Once hot, place pork chops on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip early; this creates a golden crust.
- 5
Flip the pork chops and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Transfer to a warm plate to rest.
Tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping meat moist and tender.
- 6
Arrange courgette strips on the grill in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until soft and lightly charred. Transfer to a serving platter.
Tip: Grill courgettes while pork is resting to maintain warmth.
- 7
Whisk together the remaining garlic oil with lemon juice and honey, then drizzle over both the pork chops and grilled courgettes.
Tip: The honey adds subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon.
- 8
Arrange pork chops alongside courgette ribbons, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while everything is warm.
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