This easy pork chop marinade packs a big punch of flavor! Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic, it makes your pork chops juicy and tasty.
I love how it only takes a few minutes to mix up. Just let the chops soak in it while you sip your coffee. You’ll be left with tender meat that everyone will rave about!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. I find that bone-in chops offer more flavor, but boneless are easier to cook and eat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using pork loin or tenderloin.
Soy Sauce: This adds a great salty umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter profile.
Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste. Grapeseed or avocado oil can be good alternatives that withstand high heat well.
Honey: This gives sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar. Maple syrup or agave syrup can also be a good swap if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Spices: Feel free to mix and match spices! If you don’t have onion powder, minced onion works well too. Don’t shy away from adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy and flavorful pork chops is marinating them properly. Start by mixing your marinade ingredients well to blend all the flavors. Make sure the chops are covered completely, and refrigerate them for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.
- Choose a large resealable bag or a shallow dish to allow for even coating.
- When cooking, heat the grill or skillet well before adding the chops; this helps create a nice sear.
- Always let the cooked chops rest for 5 minutes; this locks in the juices for a moist bite!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour of marinating time, but for the best flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours or even overnight. Cooking time will be around 15 minutes. So in total, plan for around 25 minutes of active time, plus marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and ground mustard (if you’re using it). Keep whisking until everything is mixed well and looks 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, making sure they are well coated. If using a bag, press out the air and seal it tight. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Pop it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit for 4 hours or overnight will give you the best 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 and allow any excess marinade to drip off. Be sure to discard the remaining marinade—it’s unsafe to reuse it.
Now, grill or cook the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are cooked through. Once they’re done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for juicy chops!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your delicious pork chops with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat for This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or even steak. Just adjust the marinating time; for chicken, aim for at least 1 hour, and for steak, 30 minutes to 2 hours works well.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinating for at least 4 hours or overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will impart good flavor, but flavors deepen with longer marination. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the meat can become too soft.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Marinade?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts. If you’re aiming for a sugar-free option, try using a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol; just adjust the quantity according to taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade that was not in contact with raw meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. However, do not reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw pork. If you want to make a large batch for future use, you can freeze it in portions! Just thaw it in the fridge the day before you use it.
