This marinade for pork chops is simply the best! With a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, it makes your chops juicy and full of flavor.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just pour it over the chops, let them soak for a while, and grill or bake. Who doesn’t love tasty food with minimal effort? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-in Pork Chops: These are great because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless chops or are watching your calorie intake, boneless pork chops work well too; just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster.
Olive Oil: This gives the marinade richness and helps it stick to the meat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a nice substitute with a similar flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: It adds a savory depth to the marinade. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another excellent alternative if you’re avoiding soy altogether.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This helps tenderize the pork and adds a tangy brightness. White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can work in a pinch, but apple cider has a unique flavor that really shines in this dish.
Honey: For sweetness, honey balances the saltiness of soy sauce. You can switch to maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re looking for vegan-friendly sweeteners.
Garlic, Thyme, and Rosemary: These herbs and spices provide aroma and flavor. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them! And if you’re not a fan of rosemary, sage can be a good substitute.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops To Be Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting juicy and flavorful pork chops is all about the marinade and cooking method. For maximum flavor and tenderness, marinate them overnight. This extra time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. Here’s how to ensure a great outcome:
- Whisk the marinade ingredients thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Use a resealable bag for marinating; it helps coat the pork evenly and saves space in the fridge.
- When cooking, ensure the grill or skillet is well-preheated to get those nice sear marks.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the chops, which lets the juices escape.
- Let the pork rest after cooking; this helps redistribute the juices for a moist chop.
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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and pork chops, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. For the best flavor, you can let the pork chops marinate overnight! Once ready to cook, you’ll need about 10-12 minutes for grilling. Overall, it’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, gather the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or, if you have time, overnight is ideal for richer flavors!
3. Cooking the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Grill the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and showcase some lovely grill marks.
4. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices in the meat, making them tender and juicy!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your pork chops with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Now, dig into your perfectly marinated and grilled pork chops. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can use them in this marinade without any adjustments to the marinade recipe. Just keep in mind that boneless chops may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness around 3-4 minutes per side, or when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in more tender and flavorful chops. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still provide a tasty result!
Can I Substitute the Honey?
Yes! If you’re looking to replace honey, maple syrup or brown sugar could work well for sweetness. If you prefer a sugar-free option, consider using agave syrup or a sugar substitute that performs well in marinades. Just keep in mind that flavors may vary slightly!
How to Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure not to reuse it on the pork without cooking it first, as it was used with raw meat. You can cook the marinade to use as a sauce for drizzling over the grilled chops!
