Cooking Porkchops on a Weber Kettle with the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System
Published: June 10, 2024 (Last Modified: June 20, 2024)Cooking Porkchops on a Weber Kettle with the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System
Introduction
Today, we’re going to elevate our grilling game by cooking thick, double-cut porkchops on a Weber Premium Charcoal Kettle grill using the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System and the OnlyFire Charcoal Firebox Kit. We'll be employing both indirect and direct cooking methods to achieve a perfect balance of crusty exterior and juicy interior.
Recipe Steps
1. Prepare the Porkchops: Remove the porkchops from their packaging and pat them dry. Opt for thicker, double-cut porkchops, which are perfect for achieving a good char on the outside while maintaining tenderness inside.
2. Season the Porkchops: Generously season the chops with Bad Byron's Butt Rub BBQ Seasoning. This savory blend adds heat with black pepper and color with paprika. Ensure all sides, including the edges, are well-coated. Allow the seasoned chops to rest in the refrigerator, letting the seasoning penetrate and enhance the meat’s flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill: While the porkchops are resting, start the charcoal using the Weber Charcoal Chimney. Set up the Weber Kettle with the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System and the OnlyFire Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Kit. The firebox adds a Kamado-style ceramic enclosure to the kettle, ensuring even heat distribution and efficient burning. The cooking grate system allows for flexible cooking methods with multiple levels for direct and indirect cooking.
4. Ignite the Coals: Once the coals are fully ignited (about 20-30 minutes), spread the unlit lump charcoal from a previous cook and pour the new, ignited charcoal on top. Use the Weber Charcoal Rake to move a portion of the ignited and unlit charcoal to one side for direct, high-heat cooking, and leave some on the other side for indirect, medium/low-heat cooking. The indirect side will benefit from the heat deflector and ceramic firebox, providing ample radiant heat.
5. Set Up the Grates: Insert the OnlyFire Cooking Grate System, configuring it for half indirect and half direct cooking on the first level, closest to the fire. Close the lid and let the grates and ceramics heat up for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Grill the Porkchops: Spray the cooking grates with a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chops on the direct side of the grill, pressing them down to ensure full contact with the grilling surface. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop nice grill marks.
7. Check for Doneness: Depending on the color and grill marks, move the porkchops to the indirect side. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for the porkchops (for ground pork, the target temperature would be 165°F).
8. Finish Cooking: Allow the porkchops to finish cooking on the indirect side until they reach the desired internal temperature of 145°F.
9. Rest the Porkchops: Once the porkchops reach the target temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest. This helps the internal temperatures settle and the juices to redistribute within the meat.
10. Enjoy: Now it's time to dig in! Enjoy your perfectly grilled porkchops with a crispy exterior and a moist, juicy interior.
Conclusion
The OnlyFire system makes cooking porkchops a breeze. The combination of the OnlyFire Cooking Grate and Charcoal Firebox sets ensures even cooking, enhancing the overall BBQ experience. The finished porkchops were crusty on the outside and succulent on the inside. This setup is definitely a keeper for future grilling sessions.
Products Used
Weber 22" Master Premium Charcoal Kettle
This iconic charcoal grill offers a seamless grilling experience with its hinged cooking grate, making it easy to add charcoal while grilling. The One-Touch™ cleaning system and high-capacity ash catcher ensure effortless cleanup. Made from porcelain-enameled materials, the grill retains heat efficiently and resists rust and peeling. Features include a built-in lid thermometer, tool hooks, and a lid hook to keep the lid off the ground. Dimensions: 39.5" H x 22.5" W x 27" D.
- Holds up to 13 burgers with the Weber burger press
- One-Touch™ cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher for hassle-free cleanup
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel
- Hinged cooking grate for easy charcoal addition
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Tool hooks for convenient hanging of grilling tools
OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System
Designed to fit large grills like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe Classic, this cooking grate system raises your food further from the charcoal for better convection cooking and less burning. The half-moon design allows for adding charcoal without removing the whole grate and supports both direct and indirect cooking methods. The adjustable cooking grate height offers versatility in cooking. Made from durable stainless steel.
- Fits Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Classic, and Large Grill Dome
- Raises cooking surface away from charcoal for a convectional cooking environment
- Half-moon design allows adding charcoal without removing the entire rack
- Adjustable cooking grate height for direct and indirect cooking
OnlyFire Stainless Steel Charcoal Firebox Set
Enhance your Weber kettle grill's performance with this firebox set, which holds more charcoal and wood, reducing the need for frequent refueling. It includes a ceramic heat stone to create an ideal indirect cooking zone and six removable heat deflectors for concentrated heat control. Made from stainless steel, the firebox is durable and efficient. Basket dimensions: 20.5" in diameter, 5.7" in height. Ceramic plate dimensions: 9.3" L x 5.9" W x 0.6" D.
- Holds more charcoal and wood, eliminating the need for additional fuel
- Includes a ceramic heat stone for creating an indirect heat zone
- 6 removable heat deflectors for concentrated heat zones
Bad Byron's Butt Rub BBQ Seasoning
This savory blend of salt, black pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, and chipotle is perfect for adding a flavorful crust to your meats. It provides a balanced mix of heat and color, enhancing the taste of your grilled dishes.
- Ingredients: Salt, black pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, chipotle
Jealous Devil XL Lump Charcoal
Elevate your grilling with Jealous Devil Chunx XL Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Each 10LB bag contains extra-large chunks of dense South American hardwood, which burn at high temperatures over 1,100°F and produce minimal ash. This natural, chemical-free charcoal ensures an enhanced flavor profile and consistent heat for grilling and smoking.
- 100% natural hardwood, high heat, and long burn time with minimal ash
- Extra-large chunks burn at over 1,100°F with enhanced flavor
- Minimal sparking and popping, easy cleanup
Weber Charcoal Chimney
Quickly ignite your charcoal with the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter. Made from durable aluminized steel, it features a specialized cone-shaped grate for even lighting and two handles for optimal control when pouring hot coals. Its cylindrical design holds enough charcoal to fill your kettle grill. Dimensions: 12.5" H x 8.1" W x 12.7" D.
- Quickly produces hot coals for cooking
- Durable aluminized steel with ergonomic handle
- Cone-shaped bottom ensures even lighting of briquettes
- Dimensions: 12.5" H x 8.1" W x 12.7" D
Weber Charcoal Rake
Easily and safely arrange your lit charcoal with this stainless steel charcoal rake. Its 115° angle blade and long handle allow for efficient and safe coal arrangement, whether spreading for direct heat or separating for indirect cooking. Equipped with a hanging loop for convenient storage. Dimensions: 1.9" H x 3.9" W x 21" D.
- Safely arranges lit charcoal
- 115° angle blade for efficient raking
- Long handle keeps a safe distance from the heat
- Equipped with a hanging loop for easy storage
- Made of stainless steel
- Dimensions: 1.9" H x 3.9" W x 21" D
Frequently Asked Questions: Grilling Porkchops on a Weber Kettle with the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System
Curious about perfecting your porkchop grilling technique? Our FAQs cover everything you need to know about using the Weber Kettle and OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System to achieve tender, flavorful results every time.
Double-cut porkchops, being thicker, allow for a good char on the outside while maintaining tenderness and juiciness on the inside.
Bad Byron's Butt Rub BBQ Seasoning provides a balanced mix of savory flavors, adding heat from black pepper and color from paprika, perfect for creating a flavorful crust on porkchops.
The OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System raises the cooking surface away from the charcoal, promoting better heat distribution and preventing burning. Its half-moon design allows for easy addition of charcoal and supports both direct and indirect cooking.
The OnlyFire Charcoal Firebox Set holds more charcoal and wood, reducing the need for frequent refueling. It includes a ceramic heat stone for creating an indirect heat zone, ensuring even and controlled cooking.
To set up for indirect cooking, place the charcoal on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. Use the OnlyFire BBQ Cooking Grate System to position the cooking grate above the indirect side for even, low-heat cooking.
Preheat the cooking grates and ceramics for about 15-20 minutes to ensure they are properly heat-soaked before placing the porkchops on the grill.
The ideal internal temperature for cooked porkchops is 145°F. For ground pork, the target temperature is 165°F.
To achieve grill marks, place the porkchops on the direct heat side of the grill and press down slightly to ensure full contact with the grilling surface. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Letting the porkchops rest allows the internal temperatures to settle and the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bite.
Jealous Devil XL Lump Charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, providing high heat and long burn times with minimal ash. Its large chunks produce temperatures over 1,100°F, enhancing the flavor and efficiency of your grilling.
