This pork chop marinade is your ticket to juicy, flavorful chops! With simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, it brings a lovely tang and depth to your meal.
I love how quickly it comes together—just mix, marinate, and grill or bake! Trust me, you’ll want to use this marinade for every chop night. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops deliver great flavor, but boneless chops work too. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This is used for moistness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a great substitute. It has a similar taste and high smoke point.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce. You can also swap it for coconut aminos, which have a slightly sweeter flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have this, any mild vinegar like white wine vinegar fits well. Lemon juice is a nice alternative too, giving a fresh twist.
Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey if needed. Both add sweetness, but maple has a unique flavor that can enhance the marinade.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds zest. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work; just use 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Herbs: Dried herbs are useful, but if you have fresh, use a tablespoon of fresh oregano or thyme in place of a teaspoon dried. Fresh herbs really brighten the flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pork Chops Are Perfectly Marinated?
Marinating is all about infusing flavor, and the longer you can let your pork chops soak in the marinade, the better! For optimal results:
- Mix your marinade well to combine all flavors. Whisk until the honey dissolves completely.
- Seal the bag tightly to keep the marinade in contact with the meat. If using a dish, ensure the chops are submerged as much as possible.
- For quick marinating, at least an hour is necessary, but overnight is best if time allows.
- Remember, always discard the unused marinade to avoid any raw meat contamination!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you can plan ahead and let the pork chops soak overnight, the flavors will be even better. Cooking the chops will take about 10-12 minutes. So, all together, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes for marinating and cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix it until everything is combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are all well coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it tight; if you’re using a dish, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum 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, letting any extra marinade drip off (and discard the marinade). Grill or cook the chops for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and to have those delicious grill marks!
4. Let Rest and Garnish:
After cooking, take the pork chops off the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your deliciously marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Marinade?
Absolutely! While bone-in pork chops are great, you can also use boneless chops, pork tenderloin, or pork loin. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly; boneless chops may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar. Just remember that different vinegars will slightly alter the flavor profile, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. If marinating for longer than 24 hours, the meat could become too tender, so it’s best to stick to that timeframe.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep them moist!
