Name: Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper Beef Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless beef loin chops (3/4 to 1 inch thick); California Style Lemon Pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; Olive oil; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops are a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these chops deliver vibrant flavors with minimal effort. The zesty lemon and savory pepper elevate the beef, making it a standout meal that everyone will love. Plus, the quick prep and cook time make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those on-the-go nights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of lemon pepper seasoning and fresh lemon juice infuses the beef with incredible flavor.
Versatile Meal: These beef chops pair wonderfully with various sides, from grilled veggies to creamy mashed potatoes.
Healthy Option: Lean boneless loin chops provide great protein without excess fat, making it a healthy choice.
Impress Your Guests: Serve these chops at your next gathering, and your friends will be asking for the recipe!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Instant-read thermometer
Basting brush or spray bottle

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A preheated grill ensures even cooking and gives those beautiful grill marks we all love.
Instant-read thermometer: This tool helps you check the internal temperature quickly, ensuring perfectly cooked beef every time.
Basting brush or spray bottle: These tools allow you to easily apply olive oil to ensure your beef chops stay moist during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Beef Chops

Six boneless beef loin chops (3/4 to 1 inch thick)
California Style Lemon Pepper
Juice of one lemon
Olive Oil

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your barbecue grill on medium-high heat. This step is crucial for achieving nice sear marks on your beef chops.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Chops

Sprinkle both sides of your beef chops generously with lemon pepper.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over one side of the beef chops.
Flip the beef chops and repeat with the other half of the lemon.
Spray or drizzle both sides of the chops with olive oil to enhance moisture.

Step 3: Grill the Beef Chops

Place the prepared beef chops on the preheated grill.
Cook until dark brown grill marks appear, about 3 minutes.
Rotate each chop 90° and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Flip each chop over and grill for another 2 minutes.
Rotate again by 90° and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°, about 2 minutes longer.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Let the grilled meat rest covered in foil for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring maximum flavor.

Enjoy your deliciously simple Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops!

How to Serve Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

Serving Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. Pair these flavorful chops with a variety of sides and garnishes to create a balanced meal.

Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens tossed with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the beef.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the juicy grilled chops.

Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Lightly grilled with olive oil, these veggies add color and flavor to your plate.
Asparagus: Grilling asparagus enhances its natural flavor, making it a delicious side for your chops.

Rice Dishes

Lemon Herb Rice: This fragrant rice dish infused with lemon zest pairs perfectly with the bright flavors of the beef.
Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf adds texture and makes for a hearty accompaniment.

How to Perfect Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

To truly master Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chops to marinate in lemon juice and lemon pepper for at least 30 minutes can infuse more flavor.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensuring perfect doneness prevents overcooking, keeping the meat juicy.
Preheat Your Grill: A well-heated grill helps achieve those beautiful grill marks while locking in moisture.
Let Them Rest: Resting the meat allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender bites.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika to your lemon pepper mixture for extra depth.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops enhances the overall meal. Here are some excellent options that blend well with this dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that complements the savory flavors of beef.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of freshness; grill it alongside your chops for a smoky touch.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the richness of grilled meat.
Baked Beans: Savory baked beans offer a hearty element, perfect for summer barbecues.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables is healthy and adds texture next to tender beef.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Crispy roasted sprouts seasoned with salt provide a flavorful contrast to the juicy chops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling can be tricky, especially when it comes to cooking beef chops. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Ignoring the grill temperature – Cooking on a grill that’s too hot or too cold can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high for the best results.
Over-seasoning – While lemon pepper is flavorful, using too much can overpower the dish. Start with a light sprinkle and adjust as needed.
Skipping the resting period – Cutting into the beef chops immediately after grilling can cause juices to escape. Letting them rest for 5 minutes will keep them juicy and tender.
Not checking doneness – Relying solely on cooking time can be misleading. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your beef chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
Forgetting to oil the grill grates – If you skip this step, your beef chops may stick and tear. Lightly oil the grates before grilling for easy flipping.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops

Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chops on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a lid or wrap. Heat in 30-second increments until warm.
Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While boneless loin chops are great, other cuts like ribeye or sirloin will also work well with lemon pepper seasoning.

How can I customize my Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops?

Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even some garlic powder for added flavor!

Can I marinate the beef chops overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating can enhance the flavor, just ensure not to exceed 24 hours as it may change the texture of the meat.

What sides pair well with Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops?

Consider serving with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper beef Chops are not only simple but also bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or sides. Give this recipe a try; it might become your new go-to!