This amazing pork chop marinade makes your meat super tasty and juicy! It’s a mix of simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey to add sweetness.
I love to let my chops sit in the marinade overnight—it makes such a difference! Plus, the smell while they’re cooking? Pure happiness on a plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite for their rich flavor and tenderness, but boneless chops work too. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a great salty flavor. For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work if you prefer a milder flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang! If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can be good substitutes.
Honey: Honey balances the marinade, but maple syrup or brown sugar can work if you want a different sweet note.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a kick! If you don’t have it, yellow mustard will do in a pinch, but the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do I Ensure the Pork Chops Are Perfectly Juicy?
Getting juicy pork chops is all about marinating and cooking them just right. First, the marinade infuses flavor and moisture, so don’t skip this step! Ideally, let them marinate overnight. Patience pays off!
- Choose thick cuts (1-inch is ideal) for better juiciness.
- Grill them on medium-high heat for precise cooking. Too hot can dry them out, too low can leave them undercooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F is perfect). It ensures they stay juicy.
- Let them rest after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, making them more tender.
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and get everything ready. You’ll want to marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for extra flavor. Cooking time on the grill is about 12-16 minutes. So, set aside a little time for marinating and grilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and smooth. This is going to infuse your pork chops with amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place your pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chops, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Pop it in the refrigerator and let them soak up those flavors for at least 1 hour, but overnight is really the way to go!
3. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once your chops have marinated, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Remember to discard the leftover marinade—it’s not safe to reuse! Grill the pork chops for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have nice grill marks.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, transfer the pork chops to a platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your deliciously flavorful pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in place of bone-in chops. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so check the internal temperature after about 5-6 minutes of grilling on each side to ensure they don’t dry out.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. If you want a sweeter alternative, try using balsamic vinegar instead, but it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops for Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the pork chops for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for extra flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed this time too much, as the acid in the marinade can begin to break down the meat, making it mushy.
How to Store Leftover Cooked Pork Chops?
To store leftovers, let the cooked pork chops cool slightly and then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
