An in-depth review of the Weber Genesis II gas grill and recipe for grilled pork chops with grilled grape and fennel salad, an easy and elegant meal made entirely on the grill.
With Valentine’s Day next week, I’m guessing a few of you are starting to think about what you’ll be making for dinner.
That is, if you’re one of the smart ones and staying home rather than trying to get reservations for an overpriced dinner where you’ll be rushed out the door so they can turn the table before your butt is even out of the chair.
Well, I have the perfect recipe for your Valentine’s dinner today, it’s made entirely on the grill, couldn’t be simpler yet it’s got the elegance of a meal completely Valentine’s Day worthy.
More on these pork chops in a bit. First, I want to talk about this grill.
*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.
Weber Genesis II Propane Gas Grill
We needed to upgrade our grill badly. The last was 12+ years old and literally starting to leave rust stains on our patio. Ulysses had already rebuilt the burners a few times to keep it chugging along but between 2 moves and years of abuse, its time had come.
I grew up with a Weber grill that my dad had for over 20 years before we finally upgraded him one Father’s Day and I’ve always associated Weber grills with quality.
That’s why I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to test out the new Weber Genesis II E-315 3-burner grill.
This grill is the perfect size for us and comes with an array of features that make the whole grilling experience enjoyable.
Features of the Weber Genesis II E-315 Grill
Outside Mounted Tank
I know it seems like an odd thing to even make note of, but after having a tank that was inside the grill before, I really enjoy the outside mounting on this grill.
There have been multiple summers where critters (everything from spiders to frogs and what I’m assuming was mice based on the droppings) have lived in the bottom enclosure of our grill since it’s obviously kept outside. When you have to open those doors to access the propane tank and a frog jumps out in your face, you appreciate things like outside mounted tanks.
I also like the gauge being right next to the propane tank so I know if I’m in jeopardy of running out of fuel half way through cooking!
Not to mention, changing out the propane tank is a lot easier when it’s mounted to the side rather than reaching into and under the grill and trying to tighten the hookup.
Infinity Ignition
The ignition system on this Weber Genesis grill makes things super simple to get started.
I’ve dealt with grills that are not easy to light and nothing is more frustrating than either not being able to get a flame lit or your grill not properly coming to temperature when you’re hungry!
The knobs are sturdy and substantial and the grill has lit successfully on the first try every time we’ve used it.
Side Tables with Integrated Hooks
As you know from my previous collaboration with Home Depot and our new Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator, we’re about to start a major kitchen renovation. One of the most important things to me in the design of our new kitchen was work space around the range.
It’s a major design flaw in my opinion when stoves have limited counter space on either side because that’s probably the most used area in the entire kitchen. A good work flow should have ample prep space between the sink and the stove.
I think the exact same thing is true when it comes to grilling. A grill without side table space is just a poor design. It makes it hard to truly use your grill as an extended part of your kitchen. Without side table space where are you supposed to put that cutting board or dish you brought the food out onto once it’s on the grill? The floor outside? See what I’m saying?!
The Weber Genesis ii E-315 comes with two large side tables both of which have integrated hooks built in giving you plenty of prep or storage space. The hooks are the perfect spot to keep grilling tools easily accessible and stored when you’re not using them. I personally hate keeping those utensils in my kitchen because they’re so large and take up so much drawer space!
Cooking Area
The cooking area on the Genesis ii E-315 is substantial. Plenty for just the two of us but definitely ample enough for a larger family or parties when you’re cooking for many.
The fold down cooking rack also provides additional surface area for things like toasting buns, corn on the cob, or anything else you don’t want directly on the flame.
The cast-iron grates are porcelain enameled and help evenly disperse the heat.
iGrill 3 Compatibility
Everything has an app these days, right? This grill is no exception.
With iGrill 3 compatibility, you can easily set up this accessory and monitor grill temperature, the temperature of whatever you’re cooking and even see your propane level.
It’s a fun and helpful accessory/app for times like winter grilling when you don’t want to stand outside in the cold or parties when your attention might be divided so you don’t overcook anything.
We’re psyched to have a brand new grill on the patio this year and making these grilled pork chops with grilled grapes and fennel as one of our first meals on it was an extra delicious way to break it in.
Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Grapes and Fennel Salad
This is a seriously simple meal but with the looks of something far more involved and elegant.
The pork is bone-in chops (you could also swap it out for a fresh ham steak), nice and thickly sliced and all they need is a generous seasoning of salt and pepper before hitting the grill. Take care to not overcook them, you want a juicy medium chop!
The grilled grape and fennel salad is what brings this dish to life.
If you don’t already have some, do yourself a favor and buy some grilling mats. They make grilling vegetables so simple. Nothing falls through the grates and there’s no direct contact so you don’t have to deal with delicate vegetables sticking to the grates. They’re really a game changer for being able to cook entire meals on the grill.
The grapes and fennel simply get tossed with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper before being spread out on the grilling mat and grilled over a medium-low heat.
Grilling the grapes and fennel really brings out the flavor in both ingredients and makes for a warm “compote-like” salad. If you love grilled or roasted fennel flavor, try these sheet pan Cornish game hens with fennel, blood oranges, potatoes and rhubarb too!
After they come off the grill, simply toss with crumbled feta for a salty bite that complements the sweetness in the grapes and the strong licorice flavored fennel. Spoon the salad over the pork chops and your meal is finished!
If you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, don’t forget about dessert! Whip up some superfood brownies, a strawberry almond galette or even easier, fudgy paleo skillet brownies.
You can also check out all my chocolate recipes and strawberry recipes and find more inspiration!
Valentine’s Day or not, this is a meal that leaves an impression without much effort at all!
Love these grilled pork chops?
Try one of these other grilled meals:
Harissa Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops with Tomato Peach Salad
Smoky Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Grilled BBQ Short Ribs
Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes and Fennel
Ingredients
- 2 thick cut, bone-in pork chops
- kosher salt and pepper
- 2 cups red seedless grapes, rinsed
- 1 bulb fennel, cut in half then thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice from 1/2 a lemon
- salt and pepper
- fennel fronds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat outdoor grill on high until temperature reads 500°F.
- Season the pork chops liberally with salt and pepper.
- Combine grapes and fennel in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss to combine.
- Place a grill mat directly on one side of the grill grates and spread out grape and fennel mixture on top. Reduce heat under the grill mat to medium-low, close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Cook until grapes start to burst and char marks appear on the fennel.
- Place pork chops on the other side of the grill over high heat and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. This will vary with thickness of the pork chop. (*see note)
- Return grilled grapes and fennel to the bowl, add the feta and toss to combine.
- Plate pork chops, spoon grapes and fennel over top and garnish with fennel fronds before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
*I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
The flavor in these pork chops are to die for! Plus, we LOVE our Weber grill!!
I love the look of these chops and the flavours you’ve incorporated. Making them grill friendly is a great move – I don’t think I’ve come across a chops recipe for the grill before that has caught my eye.