If you love the hearty, mouthwatering flavors of Texas Roadhouse but want to recreate that magic at home, this recipe for Texas Roadhouse-Style Grilled Pork Chops is your new go-to. Picture thick, juicy pork chops soaked in a savory marinade that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and umami flavors, grilled to juicy tenderness with a beautifully caramelized crust, and finished with a luscious butter brush that locks in flavor and moisture. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a home cook eager to impress, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Choose Texas Roadhouse-Style Pork Chops?
Texas Roadhouse is famous for its perfectly cooked, flavorful meats, and their pork chops are no exception. What makes this recipe stand out is the marinade — a simple yet powerful mix of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar that penetrates the pork, tenderizing it while infusing layers of complex flavor. The grilling process gives the chops a slight char and smokiness, enhancing the natural pork flavor. The finishing butter adds richness and an appealing shine, elevating the dish to steakhouse quality.
 15-Word Quick Summary
Flavorful marinated pork chops grilled juicy and tender, brushed with butter for authentic steakhouse taste.
 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups & Units)
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4 thick-cut boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
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1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
Preparation Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Marinating time: minimum 2 hours (preferably overnight for maximum flavor)
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Cook: 10 minutes
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Resting time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (mostly hands-off)
 Calories
Each serving (one pork chop) contains roughly 296 kcal. This value can vary slightly depending on the exact cut size and cooking method. The calories mostly come from the pork chop itself and the butter finish.
 Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Prepare Texas Roadhouse-Style Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by combining your marinade ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. This marinade balances sweet, salty, tangy, and umami notes, making the pork deeply flavorful.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork Chops
Place your thick-cut pork chops in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results and tender meat, marinate overnight. The acid from lemon juice and salt in the soy and Worcestershire sauces will help tenderize the meat during this time.
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill
Whether using a gas or charcoal grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean the grill grates thoroughly, then oil them to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or heavy skillet can work indoors.
Step 4: Grill the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination. Lightly season each chop with salt to taste. Place the chops on the grill. Grill the pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes on one side without moving them to get nice grill marks. Flip and grill another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy). Avoid overcooking, as pork chops can become dry.
Step 5: Rest and Finish with Butter
Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate or cutting board and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute through the meat, making each bite juicy and tender. While resting, melt the butter and brush it generously over each chop. This step adds a glossy finish and rich flavor reminiscent of your favorite steakhouse experience.
Why Resting Meat Matters
Resting meat after cooking is a crucial step that many overlook. During cooking, the heat forces juices toward the center. Resting allows these juices to redistribute evenly, preventing dry, tough bites. It also helps the meat relax, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
 Pro Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse Pork Chops
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Marinate Overnight: Though 2 hours works, marinating overnight unlocks deeper flavor and better tenderness.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Pork is perfectly safe at 145°F. Using a thermometer avoids dry overcooked chops.
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Choose Quality Pork: Thick-cut chops with some marbling yield juicier results.
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Don’t Skip Butter: The final butter brush adds richness and shine—signature to this recipe.
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Oil Your Grill Grates: Prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful grill marks.
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Try Charcoal for Smokiness: If you have a charcoal grill, use it to add subtle smoky flavor.
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Rest Covered, Not Wrapped: Tent the resting chops loosely with foil to retain heat without steaming the crust.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have access to a grill, here are some options:
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Grill Pan: Use a heavy cast-iron pan on the stovetop, heated over medium-high. Cook the chops similarly to grilling, pressing lightly to get good sear marks.
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Oven Broil: Preheat the broiler and place chops on a broiler pan about 4 inches from heat. Broil 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning.
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Pan-Fry & Oven Finish: Sear chops in a hot skillet 2-3 minutes per side, then finish in a preheated 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal
Texas Roadhouse pork chops pair beautifully with a range of sides:
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Creamy mashed potatoes or loaded baked potatoes
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Roasted or grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts
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Fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette
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Classic steakhouse-style sautéed mushrooms
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Corn on the cob with butter and herbs
Nutritional Insights
This recipe provides a balanced protein-rich main course with moderate fat content from the pork and butter. Pairing with vegetables and a complex carb (like mashed potatoes) creates a satisfying meal without excess calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in chops may take slightly longer to cook but add great flavor and moisture.
Q: How thick should the pork chops be?
A: About 1 inch thick is ideal for grilling—thin chops tend to dry out.
Q: Can I freeze marinated pork chops?
A: Yes, marinated chops freeze well. Freeze before grilling for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A: Use extra soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these Texas Roadhouse-Style Grilled Pork Chops bring the classic steakhouse experience right into your backyard or kitchen. The secret is in the marinade’s balance of flavors and the grilling technique that locks in juices while adding irresistible char and smoky notes. The finishing butter elevates the pork chops to a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or special occasions.
Try it for yourself and discover why this recipe is beloved by home cooks and grill masters alike. You might just find it becomes a staple on your dinner table.