The Best Pork Cuts for Grilling: A Butcher’s Guide

the top cuts and how to cook them from the Illinois farmers at Vanwassenhove Farms

There’s nothing quite like the flavor of grilled pork. Whether you're firing up the grill for a summer cookout or cooking over coals year-round, choosing the right cut of pork makes all the difference. Some cuts are naturally tender, while others need a little low-and-slow attention to bring out their best.

At Vanwassenhove Farms, we work with customers who want more than just meat—they want to know how to prepare it well. If you’re wondering what the best pork cuts for grilling are, this guide will walk you through the top choices and how to get the most flavor from each.

What Makes a Pork Cut Good for Grilling?

Not every cut of pork is ideal for the grill. A good grilling cut has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Tender texture without needing long braising or slow cooking
• Enough fat to stay moist over high heat
• A natural thickness that allows for searing and internal temperature control
• Great flavor on its own or when seasoned simply

While some cuts require marinades or indirect heat, others can go straight onto the grill with a little salt and pepper. Let’s look at the most popular and practical options.

Top Pork Cuts for Grilling

Pork Chops

Pork chops are one of the most popular grilling cuts for a reason. They're versatile, quick to cook, and widely loved.

Best types for grilling:

• Bone-in rib chops
• Loin chops
• Center-cut chops

Tips:

• Choose chops that are at least 1 inch thick to prevent drying out.
• Grill over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• Let them rest after grilling to keep the juices in.

At Vanwassenhove Farms, we offer pork chops cut to your preferred thickness. Ask about bone-in options for maximum flavor.

Pork Ribs

When it comes to feeding a crowd or creating a show-stopping dish, pork ribs are hard to beat. While they require more time than quick-searing cuts, ribs on the grill offer unbeatable taste.

Types:

• Baby back ribs
• St. Louis-style ribs
• Spare ribs

Tips:

• Use indirect heat and low temperatures for best results.
• Consider parboiling or slow-roasting ahead of time, then finishing on the grill.
• Baste with your favorite sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Ribs from our farm are meaty and trimmed with care, making them ideal for summer barbecues or weekend smoking sessions.

Pork Tenderloin

This cut is extremely lean and tender, which makes it perfect for quick, even grilling. It's a great choice when you want something flavorful without a lot of fat.

Tips:

• Marinate ahead of time to add flavor and moisture.
• Grill over medium heat, turning regularly for even cooking.
• Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to avoid drying out.

Because pork tenderloin is small and consistent in shape, it’s easy to manage on the grill. We often recommend it for customers who want something elegant and quick.

Country-Style Ribs

Despite the name, these are not true ribs. They're cut from the shoulder and have more meat and marbling, making them great for grilling.

Tips:

• Grill over indirect heat until tender, then finish over direct heat to get a nice char.
• Great for dry rubs or bold sauces.
• Cook to an internal temp of at least 145°F, or longer for a more tender result.

These are a customer favorite at Vanwassenhove Farms, especially for those looking for a hearty alternative to traditional ribs.

Pork Shoulder Steaks

Pork shoulder steaks (sometimes called blade steaks) come from the same part of the pig used for pulled pork, but they’re sliced thinner for quicker cooking.

Tips:

• Marinate or season generously to bring out the rich flavor.
• Grill slowly to keep them tender, or sear and finish on lower heat.
• These cuts are forgiving and flavorful, making them ideal for casual grilling.

If you're cooking for a group or want a cut that handles bold flavors well, pork shoulder steaks are a smart choice.

Cuts to Avoid for Grilling

Not every pork cut works well on the grill. Here are a few better suited for slow cooking, roasting, or stovetop preparation:

• Pork belly (great for smoking or oven roasting)
• Pork shank (best in stews or braises)
• Ham (fully cooked or cured, not usually grilled)
• Ground pork (better for patties or sausage links)

That said, many customers do enjoy grilling pork belly after slicing it thin and marinating. It’s a personal preference—just be mindful of fat content and flare-ups.

How to Get the Best Pork for Grilling

Start with quality meat. The way a pig is raised and processed makes a big difference in how the pork cooks and tastes.

At Vanwassenhove Farms, our pigs are:

• Raised in clean, low-stress environments
• Fed a grain-based diet without unnecessary additives
• Processed at trusted local butchers for optimal freshness
• Cut to order based on your needs and cooking plans

We offer a variety of pork packages year-round, including grill-ready bundles that include chops, ribs, shoulder steaks, and more. You can also request specific cuts based on what you like to cook.

Grilling Tips for Better Results

• Let meat come to room temperature before grilling
• Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness
• Rest the meat after cooking to lock in moisture
• Experiment with marinades, dry rubs, and wood chips for extra flavor
• Keep the grill clean and hot to avoid sticking and uneven cooking

How to Order Pork from Vanwassenhove Farms

We offer a full selection of pork cuts ideal for grilling. Whether you’re cooking for two or planning a neighborhood cookout, we can help you build a custom order.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Call or email us to check availability and current cut options
2. Let us know what kinds of cuts you want for the grill
3. Choose between individual packages or a half/whole hog order
4. Schedule pickup at our Cabery farm or ask about local delivery

We’re always happy to offer grilling advice, storage tips, or help you calculate how much meat you’ll need.

Phone: (815) 674-3034
Email: willvanwassenhove@gmail.com
Website: https://www.vanwassenhovefarms.com
Pickup Location: 19430 W 6000 S Rd, Cabery, IL 60919
Serving: Ford, Livingston, Kankakee, and surrounding areas