This simple pork chop marinade brings big flavor with just a few ingredients! It’s a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey that makes your chops super juicy.
I love how easy it is to throw together! Just mix, marinate, and grill. You might even want to double the batch—trust me, you’ll want extra for dipping! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too, but watch the cooking time as they cook faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil can be good substitutes. Just remember that they have different flavor profiles.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both will still give that umami flavor without gluten.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. You can replace it with white vinegar or balsamic vinegar if needed, but the flavor will change slightly.
Dijon Mustard: Whole grain mustard can be a fun substitute! It offers a different texture and flavor. You can also use yellow mustard if that’s what you have.
Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a natural sweetener. For a low-calorie option, you might want to try a sugar substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is great, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of powder per clove.
How Can I Grill Pork Chops to Perfect Juiciness?
Grilling can be tricky, but with the right tips, you can achieve juicy pork chops. After marinating, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chops and lock in moisture.
- Make sure the pork chops are at room temperature before grilling. This helps in even cooking.
- Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let them rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This redistributes the juices and keeps them moist.
How to Make the Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and pork chops, plus at least 2 hours to marinate in the fridge. Grill the chops for another 10-15 minutes, making this a delicious meal that’s ready in a couple of hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined, so the flavors mix perfectly!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Next, take your pork chops and place them into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour your freshly made marinade over the pork chops, ensuring that they’re nicely coated in that delicious mixture. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it into the refrigerator. Let the pork chops marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let them soak overnight.
3. Grill Your Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill the chops for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You want to see those beautiful grill marks on them!
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once done grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them juicier. Finally, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously marinated pork chops!
Can I Substitute the Olive Oil with Another Oil?
Yes! You can use another cooking oil like avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change. Olive oil adds a nice richness and depth, but feel free to use what you have on hand!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but you can marinate them up to 24 hours for even more flavor. Just avoid going beyond that, as the meat can become too soft from the acid in the marinade.
What is the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Pork Chops?
The safest method is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: place the sealed pork chops in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid using hot water, as it can lead to uneven thawing and bacterial growth.
How to Store Leftover Marinated Pork Chops?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can grill them again briefly or warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out.
