This pork chop marinade is a game changer! With ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of honey, it adds a tasty kick to your chops that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for this recipe because the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too! Just adjust the cooking time as boneless chops may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the meat. You can swap it with avocado oil or any neutral oil if you like, but I find olive oil adds delicious depth.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives a salty umami kick. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos. They work just as well without sacrificing flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the marinade with acidity and sweetness. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead, but keep the flavor profile in mind—they’re more tart!
Honey: Honey sweetens the marinade and helps with browning. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you’re avoiding honey, and it adds a unique taste!
Dijon Mustard: For a zesty touch, Dijon is the way to go! If you don’t have it, yellow mustard will work, though it’s milder. You can also skip it if you prefer less tang.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy pork chops lies in marinating and controlling the cooking temperature. Start by allowing the pork chops to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- When grilling or searing, get your grill or skillet nice and hot to create a good sear. This helps lock in juices.
- Avoid flipping the chops too often; aim for 4-5 minutes per side. Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
Following these tips will ensure your pork chops are succulent and bursting with flavor! Happy cooking!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes for the pork chops to marinate in the fridge—longer if you want a more intense flavor! After marinating, cooking the pork chops will take about 10-12 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total time of around 40 minutes (or longer if you choose to marinate overnight).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This tasty marinade will give your pork chops a wonderful 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 marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight for a stronger flavor.
3. Cooking the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Grill or sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have beautiful grill marks.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your flavorful pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops in this marinade. Just keep in mind that boneless chops may cook a bit faster, so check their internal temperature around the 3-4 minute mark on each side to ensure they don’t overcook.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, try to marinate them for 4-8 hours or even overnight. Just be cautious not to marinate them for more than 24 hours, as the vinegar can break down the meat too much and affect texture.
What if I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar. Each will add a different flavor twist, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade?
Leftover marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. However, if you plan to use it with cooked meat, be sure to bring it to a boil before using it to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Always err on the side of food safety!
