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Quick & Easy Pork Chop Marinades

Pork chop marinade for juicy grilled pork chops with a quick, no-fuss classic blend of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic. Marinate, grill to 145°F, and rest briefly for tender, flavorful weeknight meal results.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Classic Marinade
  • 4 pork chops (1-inch thick) Use 1-inch thick chops for even cooking.
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried herbs
  • salt and pepper Season to taste.

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the classic marinade
  1. Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried herbs together until evenly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste so the marinade is well seasoned.
Marinate
  1. Add the pork chops to the marinade and coat well. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates lightly so the pork chops release easily.
  2. Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Flip once and avoid pressing the chops so they stay juicy.
Rest and serve
  1. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.

Notes

Pro tip: if your marinade looks strong, it’s usually the lemon—balance it by adding a little more olive oil. Store leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently (covered) to avoid drying out. For longer storage, freeze cooked chops up to 2 months. Dietary swap: use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option if needed.