This pork chop marinade will make your dinner a hit! It’s a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that makes the meat juicy and full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops or even pork loin can work, but watch the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. You could substitute with canola or avocado oil if you’re looking for a neutral flavor or need a high smoke point.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient gives a salty umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another great soy sauce substitute that’s sweeter and less salty.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds acidity to balance flavors. You can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar as alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and depth. If you’re avoiding sugar, try honey or maple syrup, though adjust amounts according to taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds zing. Garlic powder is a quick substitute, but use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
How Do You Ensure Your Pork Chops Are Flavorful and Tender?
The key to delicious pork chops is marinating. This not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a bowl.
- Use a large resealable bag or dish for marinating. This ensures every inch of the pork is coated.
- Make sure to marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Before grilling, let excess marinade drip off to avoid flare-ups.
- Let the chops rest after cooking to help keep them juicy. This is super important!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 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 brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pork chop marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to marinate in the fridge. The grilling part will take another 15 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 2 hours and 25 minutes, with some of that time letting the flavors soak in! Perfect for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, grab a whisk and combine the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely mixed and you can see the sugar has mostly dissolved. This blend will give your pork chops a fantastic flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chops, making sure they get all coated nicely. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you have time, letting them marinate overnight is even better to soak in all those yummy flavors!
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 and let any excess marinade drip off (don’t worry; they’ll still be plenty flavorful!). Grill the chops for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is what keeps them juicy and delicious!
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your wonderfully marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this marinade! Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so monitor their grill time closely, aiming for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even lemon juice if you need a quick fix. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still give your marinade that necessary tang.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours or even overnight. If you’re short on time, try to marinate them for a minimum of 30 minutes. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the meat can become too soft.
Can I Store Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to toss any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw pork to avoid food safety issues. However, if you want to keep un-used marinade, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to label it to keep track!
