Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
Freezer Meal Pork Chops get a flavour boost from tangy fresh lemon, garlic, and a bright burst of chopped fresh basil in this easy marinade. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and can be enjoyed right away or prepped for freezer meals to make busy weeks easier.
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I hate to remind everyone but back to school is coming soon and while I am excited to get the kids out of the house I am not excited about the whole rigmarole that comes with this time of year. Lunches, homework, and getting dinner on the table before rushing to hockey practice or wherever your kids need to be.
Freezer Meals can be a godsend! My other go-to freezer meal ideas are Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs and Kalbi Beef Flanken Short Ribs.
What are Freezer Meals You Ask?
Well, the names practically say it all. Freezer Meals are meals that you can make ahead of time, freeze for later and unthaw and prepare quickly. You combine all the ingredients ahead of time for the recipe and freeze for later.
Star Ingredients
- Pork Chops – Bone in or bone out it is entirely your choice. I like to go with bone in because I think any meat that has a bone in it when cooked is more flavorful but either works. You can also use thick or thin pork chops for this recipe. Just be aware that the thicker the chop the longer you will need to grill them.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice works best. I also like to cut a few lemons in half and place them on the grill just long enough to get some nice grill marks in them. Not only are they a pretty addition to your dinner platter but a squeeze of lemon juice before serving is always a nice touch.
- Basil – Fresh basil is essential for this dish. Its earthy, peppery flavor adds a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with pork and lemon.
Step By Step Instructions
Start with buying enough ingredients for 3-4 meals worth of this or any recipe. Ensure you have 3-4 freezer bags or containers to hold each meal. Label each container with the date and name of the recipe so you can keep track of when you made the recipe.
- Begin your pork chop meal prep by deciding how many pork chops you need for your family. I have a family of four so I make 6 pork chops per meal. Why? Because again I am trying to make life easy and having extra means I now also have leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner the next night!
- Place the pork chops into the freezer bag or container and be sure to wash your hands when done. Repeat this for the number of meals you plan to make.
- Double or triple the measurements or amounts of recipe ingredients to match the number of meals you plan to make. Then get to work.
- In a large bowl, add the oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic and basil. Mix well. Remember to multiply the ingredients by how many recipes you are making!
- Then spoon even amounts of the marinade into each bag or freezer container. Seal and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Or if you want to make them the same day let them marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge.
- Grill at mid-high heat for about 6 minutes per side for thinly cut pork chops or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Storage and Freezing
A freezer meal can typically last up to 3 months in the freezer so you will want to make sure you know when you made it. To do this label your storage containers with the date you made them and be sure if you make more yo use a first in first out rule.
Any leftovers you have after cooking them can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or pan or pop them back on the grill for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
My favourite side dishes to serve with these Lemon and Basil Grilled Pork Chops are:
Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops Approx 1 1/2 inches thick
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh basil finely chopped
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place pork chops in a freezer bag or freezer-safe storage container
- In a medium bowl add 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup of fresh basil finely chopped, 2 tsp sea salt and 1 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour into freezer bag or container with pork chops and seal well. Gently massage the marinade into meat to ensure evenly coated.
- Write the date and title of the recipe on freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months. Before using let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If eating the same day, let marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- When ready to cook, preheat the BBQ to medium heat or cook in a grill pan over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side flipping only once or until pork reaches an internal temperature with a meat thermometer of 145°F.
Nutrition
Notes
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can I freeze them after I bbq them?
Hi Jaye, Yes you can but they will be a little dryer. I would recommend freezing them in the marinade and then making them fresh. They are thin so they don’t take long.
I used bone in pork chops that were no where near 1.5 inches thick lol. So, I ended up marinating the pork for 1 hour and then cooked them on the stove top in a cast iron skillet. My family declared these were the best pork chops ever. We will definitely make again.
Yay! I am thrilled to hear this! I have cooked them stovetop before when it is too cold or snowy to BBQ as well. I should maybe add this cooking variation to the post. Thanks so much for sharing Karena!