Keto Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Lime Butter

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published August 15, 2020 • Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
4.7 Stars (3 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Want juicy grilled pork chops without the sugar-laden marinades? These get a spicy rosemary lime compound butter that melts right into the meat as it rests. Dinner in under 20 minutes.

Recipe
Print Pin

Keto Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Lime Butter

4.7 (3) Prep 5m Cook 12m Total 17m 4 servings

Ingredients

  • four 1-inch cut bone-in pork chops
  • salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1/4 cup butter (can be melted or softened)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste or 1 clove of minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • pinch of red pepper flakes

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat grill

Preheat the grill. If you have a gas grill, turn it to high heat. If you have a charcoal grill, set the grill for partial direct high heat. Once the grill is hot, clean the grates by wiping the grates with cooking oil.

grill thermometer heated to a high heat setting
2
Season pork chops

Generously season all sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.

four bone-in pork chops with salt sprinkled on top
3
Make compound butter

Prepare the rosemary lime butter. Add all remaining ingredients to a small bowl. Mix to combine.

mixture of butter and herbs in a mortar
4
Grill chops

Place the pork chops on the hot side of the grill (spacing about 3 inches apart) and grill over direct heat for about 2 minutes each side.

pork chops grilling on a grill
5
Add butter

Once seared on both sides, move chops to indirect heat (the colder side of the grill), top with half of the rosemary lime butter and let cook for 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chops reaches 145 degrees.

a dollup of compound butter mixture on top of each pork chop
6
Let rest

Remove from the grill. Flip pork chops over, top with remaining butter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

melted butter mixture on top of a grilled pork chop on the cutting board
Nutrition Per Serving
319 Calories
23g Fat
23.1g Protein
0.3g Net Carbs
0.4g Total Carbs
4 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

Get weekly keto recipes from Annie.

Join the list and get new recipes delivered to your inbox every week.

Similar Recipes

Others looking for “Keto Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Lime Butter” also liked:

Low Carb Grilled Pork Chop Recipe

overhead shot of a grilled pork chop with limes and herbs near Pork chops are one of my go-to proteins because they’re mild, fast-cooking, and take on toppings really well. This rosemary lime butter is made from pantry staples and adds zero junk – just butter, herbs, garlic, and fresh lime. It’s an easy keto dinner with big flavor. I make these on weeknights when I need something fast, but they’re honestly impressive enough for company. The compound butter melting over the grill marks makes them look restaurant-quality, and my kids always clean their plates. Great low carb sides for these: roasted asparagus, keto rolls, or sugar-free coleslaw! four bone-in pork chops on a wooden cutting board with black trim

Is Pork Allowed on the Keto Diet?

Yes! Most cuts are higher in fat and lower in carbs than chicken or turkey, which keeps you full longer. Pork’s natural fat also means you don’t need heavy sauces to make it taste good.

Benefits of Bone-In Pork Chops

I use bone-in chops for this recipe and strongly recommend them. No overnight marinade needed – just season, grill, and top with butter. The one thing to watch: don’t leave them on the grill too long. They cook fast and will dry out if you overdo it. Bone-in chops are thicker, which means they hold moisture better and develop a nicer crust on the outside. Boneless chops cook so fast that it’s easy to dry them out. The bone also adds richness to the flavor. Pork chops are a solid source of iron and potassium. With bone-in cuts, you get extra nutrients released from the bone during cooking. bone in pork chops on a grill with grill marks on top of the chops

How To Grill Pork Chops

Season with salt and pepper, then grill to an internal temp of 145°F. Sear over high heat for 2 minutes per side to get those grill marks, then move to indirect heat for 5-6 minutes. Add the rosemary lime butter after searing so it melts into the chops as they finish. Keep the grill covered to hold the heat in. Boneless chops follow the same method but need less time.

How Do I Know My Pork Chops Are Cooked All the Way Through?

Look for firm chops with clear grill marks. At 145°F, the meat is tender, juicy, and a little pink in the center is perfectly fine. I always use a probe thermometer to check – it’s the only reliable way to know they’re done.

How Long to Grill Pork Chops?

The rule is hot and fast. Cooking time varies by thickness – bone-in takes a little longer than boneless. Regardless of cut, pull them at 145°F for the juiciest result. pork chops grilling with butter herby mixture coated on top

Pork on the Carnivore Diet

If you’re eating carnivore, pork chops are a great break from all the beef. Season with just salt and finish with plain butter if you’re strict. Skip the herbs and lime in the compound butter unless you allow yourself a little seasoning. Another carnivore-friendly pork recipe: slow cooker pork ribs.
Keto Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Lime Butter

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different herb instead of rosemary?

Yes! Thyme or oregano both work great as substitutes.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lime juice?

Bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Just use a good brand - the cheap ones taste artificial.

How do I ensure my pork chops are juicy and tender?

Don't overcook them! Pull at 145°F and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. The resting is key - that's when the juices redistribute.

Can I prepare the rosemary lime butter ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps in the fridge for up to a week. Let it soften a bit before topping the hot chops so it melts evenly.

How should I store leftovers?

Airtight container in the fridge, up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter to keep them from drying out.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Other Keto Dinner Recipes

A plate with creamy orzo pasta with spinach and sun dried tomatoes topped with sliced chicken and shredded parmesan cheese.
60 Mins
Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Pasta
5 Stars (3 Reviews)

This one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta is creamy, bold, and packed with Italian flavor—but without all the carbs. Each serving is high in protein, low...

See the Recipe
Crispy chicken cutlets on a wire rack topped with chopped parsley and lemon wedges near by.
30 Mins
Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Not yet rated

These gluten-free, low-carb breaded chicken cutlets are juicy, tender, and way easier to make. No pounding needed. I found a simple method that keeps...

See the Recipe
Reviews 1
4.7 Stars (3 Reviews)
  1. J
    Jen Jun 15, 2024

    My family absolutely loved these. I used dried rosemary and thyme since I did not have fresh. It turned out fantastic!

Leave a Review