Pork on the Grill

Stumped for what to make for weekend guests?  Need some suggestions for dinner for your family?  There are many ways to prepare and grill pork that can save time and money and be a big hit with family and friends.

A grilled pork loin can be used for many recipes.  If you have a rotisserie, the loin can be cooked slowly on a barbecue grill with a few seasonings.  Use it for one meal with the tender meat as a main dish.  For the next meal, how about pulled pork?  Just break up the meat and add barbecue sauce, put in the crock pot and you’re done.  There are many pork loin recipes online that can be made just as easily on a grill with much less fuss.

How about grilling pork chops?  The meat is tender and juicy when cooked over indirect heat.  Be sure it is thoroughly done by using a meat thermometer.  Main dish pork chop recipes can be converted to make on the grill by adding a little more liquid than called for (if it’s a casserole-type).

Another favorite for many people is grilled pork ribs.  Slow cook until tender and add barbecue sauce the last fifteen minutes.  The ribs are juicy and oozing with flavor.

Here are a few tips that can help you when grilling pork:

• Stay away from thin cuts (i.e. pork chops and pork steak), as they tend to dry out faster
• Look for nice pink cuts that are about 1 inch thick for best results
• As stated above, always make sure the pork is thoroughly cooked
• Make more than what you plan for a meal so you can use the meat in another dish later (i.e. stir fry or casseroles)
• Try marinating pork – the flavor is outstanding
• Use poultry seasoning (a little goes a long way) or other things to enhance flavor

Here is a quick and easy marinade for pork loin or pork steaks:

1 1/3 cup cherry wine (or any good red wine)

1/3 c soy sauce

¼ c finely chopped onion

1-2 tsp. parsley, chopped

1-2 tsp. chives, chopped

1 -2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or ¾ t garlic powder)

1/3-cup olive oil

3-4 Tbsp. brown sugar (why not try half sweetener and half sugar?)

Pinch of salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients well.  Pour over meat in dish and cover, or use a Ziploc bag.  Marinate for at least four hours or overnight for best flavor.  Transfer to grill and cook until done.