German Grilled Pork Chops (Authentic Schwenkbraten)

Method5 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Season the 4 thick-cut pork chops with salt to taste. Mix black pepper, ½ tsp dried thyme OR 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, ½ tbsp dried oregano, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 2 crumbled dried bay leaves, ½ tsp ground cloves, 8 crushed juniper berries and ½ tsp ground allspice. Rub this measured mixture over both sides of all 4 chops.

   Uses 4 thick-cut pork chops (boneless or bone-in) · Salt to taste for rubbing pork · Black pepper to taste for the pork rub · ½ tsp dried thyme OR 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves · ½ Tablespoon dried oregano · 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced · 2 dried bay leaves (dried and crumbled) · ½ teaspoon ground cloves

2. 2

   Step 2: Slice the 2 onions into rings. Layer the spiced pork and onion rings in a covered bowl or suitable food-safe bag, finishing with onions. Refrigerate to marinate for 12–24 hours.

   Refrigerate pork and onions to marinate · 1440 minUses four dry-rubbed pork chops · 2 onions (cut into rings)

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Prepare an outdoor charcoal or wood-burning grill. Start over stronger heat for a quick char, then adjust height or move to gentler heat to finish without burning. Grill the chops until a thermometer in their thickest meat, away from bone, reads 160°F /71°C; about 20 minutes is only a guide for thick chops. Cook the marinating onions alongside in a vegetable grill basket until tender and thoroughly cooked, since they contacted raw pork; do not serve them raw.

   Uses marinated pork chops · pork-contact marinating onion rings

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Let the grilled chops rest for 5 minutes before serving; keep the cooked onions ready.

   Rest before serving · 5 minUses grilled pork chops and cooked onion rings

5. 5

   Step 5: Serve the 4 rested pork chops with their cooked onions and optional ready rustic bread OR baguette and one prepared potato-salad choice.

   Uses rested grilled pork and cooked onions · Ready rustic bread OR baguette for serving, optional · Ready Bavarian OR creamy German potato salad for serving, optional