This pork chop marinade is a delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, and honey that makes your chops super tasty. It’s quick to whip up and will have your taste buds dancing!
I love soaking my pork chops in this for a few hours. Trust me, the flavors really soak in! Just grill or bake them, and watch everyone smile at the dinner table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-in Pork Chops: These chops have a great flavor and stay juicy when cooked. If bone-in isn’t available, boneless chops work too, but keep an eye on cooking times as they may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, consider using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also try coconut aminos for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds tanginess to the marinade. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will change a bit.
Olive Oil: This helps to keep the pork chops moist while grilling. You can use other oils like canola or avocado oil if you prefer. Just make sure not to use oils with a low smoking point.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances out the saltiness. If you want a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead. Use a little less since those are sweeter.
Dijon Mustard: This brings a gentle spicy kick. Yellow mustard can stand in if that’s what you have, just remember it will alter the flavor slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Pork Chops for Maximum Flavor?
Getting the pork chops to absorb the flavors from the marinade is key for this recipe. Follow these straightforward steps for the best results:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl until just combined, making sure the sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the pork chops in a resealable bag or covered dish. Try to remove excess air from the bag to enhance flavor penetration.
- For the best flavor, let them marinate overnight. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to cook, let the chops sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remember to discard the marinade after use to avoid any food safety risks.
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation. However, you’ll want to allow at least 2 hours for marinating, or even better, overnight for the best flavor. Cooking will take another 15 minutes or so. Altogether, plan for about 2 hours and 25 minutes to enjoy your tasty pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed so that every bite of pork chop will be flavorful!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place your pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are nicely coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For an even more delicious result, consider letting them marinate overnight!
3. Grill the 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, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chops for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they have nice caramelized grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once deliciously grilled, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Now, enjoy your wonderfully marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add more flavor and moisture, making your dish even more delicious. Just keep in mind that they may take a minute or two longer to cook compared to boneless chops, so always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider Vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can work as great substitutes. You could also use lemon juice for a touch of acidity, but this might alter the flavor slightly. Adjust according to your taste preference!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
The pork chops can be marinated for as little as 2 hours, but marinating them overnight will really enhance the flavor. If you’re short on time, aim for a minimum of 2 hours for decent flavor infusion.
How Should I Store Leftover Marinated Pork Chops?
If you have leftover marinated chops, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the marinated pork chops for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking!
