Grilled Thai Ginger-Garlic Pork Chops - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 -4 tablespoons finely chopped lemongrass (remove the outer leaves from 1 or 2 stalks and chop the tender centers)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, more for garnish
3 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint, more for garnish
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2 cup asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup canned pineapple juice
2 tablespoons peanut oil
4 frenched center-cut pork chops, about 1-1/2 inches thick
lime wedge, for serving

Preparation

In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, cilantro, mint, ginger, garlic, sugar and lime zest. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and oil. Put the chops in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag, squeeze out the excess air and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
When you're ready to grill the chops, remove them from the marinade and drain off and discard the liquid. It's okay if some solids adhere to the chops.
Build and light a charcoal fire with coals banked on one side only. If using a gas grill, set one side to medium high and leave the other side off. When the fire is medium hot (you'll be able to hold your hand just above the grate for about 2 seconds), set the chops directly over the heat. Sear them for about 2 minutes per side, and then use tongs to move them to the area with no direct heat, arranging them so the bone side of the chop (if there is one) faces the heat (the bone acts as a barrier to the heat). Cover the grill and cook the chops indirectly until their internal temperature reaches 145\u00b0 to 150\u00b0F, another 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Transfer the chops to a clean platter and let them rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute and the chops finish cooking. Sprinkle with more cilantro and mint and serve with the lime wedges.