This cowboy pork chop recipe always yields the most tender and juicy chops. They are seasoned to perfection, and all you need to do is throw them on the grill.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or cooking a weeknight meal, these juicy pork chops are perfect, simple, delicious, and look really impressive, similar to tomahawk steaks.
Table of contents
Cowboy Pork Chops
Some people might know these as tomahawk pork chops; they are the same, but cowboy chops just sounds better! This cut is a pork version of the cowboy cut beef ribeye. You will find that the longer end of the rib bone will be frenched, which always looks spectacular.
What You’ll Need to Cook Cowboy Pork Chops
- Pork Rib Chops (minimum 1 Inch Thick and 8 Ounces Each)
- Bbq Rub
- Olive Oil
How to Make Cowboy Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Prepare and marinate the pork chops. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then brush them with olive oil lightly. Season with BBQ rub. Set aside for 20 – 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Chops
Prepare the smoker. Heat up your smoker to about 400F.
Grill the pork chops. Add seasoned pork chops to the hot grill over direct heat. Let the pork chops sear on each side for approximately 5 minutes to get a light char and crust.
When you flip or rotate the pork chops you rotate the meat 180 degrees before placing back down. The 180 degree rotation creates those perfect grill marks we all love. Grill the pork chop until the internal temperature is 145F.
Step 3: Tent & Serve
Remove from the grill and add a piece of foil on top. Let the pork chops rest for 10 minutes
before slicing and serving. Serve with arugula salad and fresh parsley.
Want to Use a Marinade?
You can use fresh garlic cloves and onions to create a marinade to soak the meat in. This will help to tenderize the pork chops as well can enrich the flavors.
What Pork Chops Should You Use?
Tomahawk pork chops are the best cut of pork for this recipe. They are a long, bone-in cut of meat that truly embraces the cowboy tradition. They are called tomahawk or cowboy chops before they have the longer end of the rib bone frenched. However, if you prefer boneless pork chops, you can use those, as well.
If you can’t find tomahawk pork chops, then you can use any type of pork chop your store has. If the chops are about an inch thick, that will be ideal.
What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach For Cowboy Pork Chops
Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature at the thickest part of the meat. Do not touch the bone as this can result in an inaccurate reading.
How Long to Smoke Cowboy Pork Chops
The chops will take around 30 mins. If you cook them at a lower temperature, you will increase the cooking time. The important thing is that you reach an internal temp of 145°F.
How To Store Leftovers
You can freeze or refrigerate these pork chops in an airtight container. The pork chop will last for up to a 3 days in the fridge. You can freeze them for a month.
If your are reheating the smoked pork chops, using the oven method is the best way to go for juicy chops. Preheat the oven temperature to 350°F. use an ovenproof dish add some broth, apple juice, stock, or water to the dish, around 1 tablespoon of liquid for every chop. Cover and heat for Heat in the oven for about 15-30 minutes. You want the internal temp to reach 165°F. This is best checked with a meat thermometer.
My Favorite Wood Chips for Cowboy Pork Chops
Hickory and maple wood chips are best for smoking pork. These rich flavors will enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
If you prefer a mild wood, try apple or cherry. Mesquite is also quite popular when trying to achieve a flavor that cowboys would enjoy!
What To Serve With Cowboy Pork Chops
Cowboy pork chops will pair well with the following side dishes:
Cowboy Pork Chops
Equipment
- Smoker
Ingredients
- 4 whole Pork Rib Chops minimum 1 Inch Thick and 8 Ounces Each
- 3 tbsp Bbq Rub
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare and marinate the pork chops. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then brush them with olive oil lightly. Season with BBQ rub. Set aside for 20 – 30 minutes.
- Prepare the smoker. Heat up your smoker to about 400F.
- Grill the pork chops. Add seasoned pork chops to the hot grill over direct heat. Let the pork chops sear on each side for approximately 5 minutes to get a light char and crust.
- When you flip or rotate the pork chops you rotate the meat 180 degrees before placing back down. The 180 degree rotation creates those perfect grill marks we all love. Grill the pork chop until the internal temperature is 145F.
- Remove from the grill and add a piece of foil on top. Let the pork chops rest for 10 minutes
- before slicing and serving. Serve with your favorite sides
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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