This tasty pork chop marinade is packed with flavor! With ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and honey, it makes the meat tender and delicious. Your dinner will be a hit!
I love to marinate my chops overnight; it really boosts the taste. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds—it’s that good! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and moisture, but you can also use boneless chops. Just adjust cooking time since they cook faster.
Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control salt. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best for flavor, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work as well. I personally love how olive oil complements the marinade.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar gives a nice tang. You can swap it for rice vinegar for a milder taste, or even lemon juice for some brightness.
Brown Sugar: If you want a more intense flavor, try using maple syrup or honey. They will give a delicious sweetness along with a touch of caramel flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating your pork chops is key for flavor and tenderness. Letting them sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour—or up to 8 hours—allows all those delicious flavors to soak in.
- Mix the marinade well so all ingredients blend together.
- Ensure that each chop is coated evenly; I like using a zip-top bag—it makes it easier to coat them and saves space in the fridge.
- After marinating, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have more time, you can marinate the pork chops for up to 8 hours to make them even more flavorful. After marination, cooking takes about 15 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 25 minutes if you’re marinating for the shorter time, or up to 8 hours and 15 minutes if you’re letting them sit longer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, take the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and the sugar is dissolved. This tasty marinade is what will give your pork chops amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Carefully pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are completely coated in the sauce. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop them in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have the time, even up to 8 hours for a deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade (discard the marinade) and place them on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This temperature ensures they are juicy and safe to eat!
4. Serve and Garnish:
After cooking, take the pork chops off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps keep them juicy. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your deliciously marinated pork chops!
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients in the Marinade?
Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice instead. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, feel free to increase the brown sugar or add honey!
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?
A minimum of 1 hour is good, but for more flavor, aim for 4 to 8 hours. Just be careful not to marinate for too long, as the acidity in the vinegar can start to break down the meat, resulting in a mushy texture if left too long.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may settle or separate when stored.
What Can I Serve with These Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A side of applesauce also complements the pork beautifully!
