This pork chop marinade is a game changer! With flavors like garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, it makes the chops super tasty and tender.
I love how easy it is to whip up this marinade. Just mix, soak the chops, and let the magic happen! They’ll be the star of your dinner plate for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless or are looking to save some calories, boneless pork loin chops work just fine!
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a wonderful richness to the marinade. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives with a high smoke point.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty depth to the marinade. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free options.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For a tangy kick, this is perfect! You can use white vinegar or lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor will change slightly.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the vinegar and soy sauce. Maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as replacements if needed.
Dried Thyme: This herb is a great flavor enhancer. If you don’t have dried thyme, feel free to use dried oregano or Italian seasoning instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops are Flavorful and Juicy?
Marinating is key for flavor and tenderness! Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk your marinade ingredients thoroughly. This ensures a well-mixed blend of flavors.
- Use a zip-top bag or shallow dish to coat the pork chops. Make sure each chop gets enough marinade.
- Let the pork chops marinate for at least 1 hour, but letting them sit for 8 hours deepens the flavor even more.
- Before cooking, allow the chops to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
Cooking on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side will help achieve a nice sear, keeping them juicy inside. Don’t forget to rest them after cooking—this helps redistribute the juices!
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
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 large bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and place the pork chops in it. Then, you should let the chops marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for more flavor). Cooking the chops will take about 10-12 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes, but most of that is just waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, take the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed. This delicious marinade will bring fantastic flavor to your pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and place them in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are completely coated with the mixture. If using a bag, seal it tightly, or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 1 hour—if you can manage it, let them sit for up to 8 hours. Your patience will be rewarded with amazing flavor!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off (don’t forget to discard the leftover marinade!). Place the chops on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (about 62°C) for safe serving.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your pork chops are perfectly cooked, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep them juicy. Serve them on a plate, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious, marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Marinade?
Absolutely! You can use pork loin, tenderloin, or even boneless chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time; thinner cuts will cook faster, so check for doneness at around 3-4 minutes per side.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients for the Marinade?
No problem! If you’re missing soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice will work too. Adjust honey based on your sweetness preference!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For optimal flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. If you marinate for longer than 8 hours, the meat may become too salty or mushy due to the acidic ingredients, so stick to that time frame for the best results!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the marinade in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, just whisk it again and pour over the pork chops as directed. This is perfect for meal prep or planning a barbecue in advance!
