This Pork Chop Marinade is a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. It brings tons of flavor to your pork chops, making them juicy and delicious!
I love how easy it is to whip up this marinade! Just mix the ingredients and let the chops soak for a bit. You’ll impress everyone with the tasty results without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use boneless chops or even loin chops. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may cook a bit quicker.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos, which acts similarly to soy sauce but is gluten-free.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners balance the salty soy sauce. If you prefer a different sweetness, maple syrup is a fantastic alternative and adds a unique flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemaries and thyme add a fresh aroma. If unavailable, dried versions can work, but use less since they’re more concentrated. Aim for 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Flavorful and Tender?
The secret lies in marinating! Marinate the pork chops for at least an hour, but the longer, the better — aim for 4 hours or even overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
- Make sure to coat the chops evenly in the marinade.
- When grilling, don’t rush it; a nice, medium-high heat gives you that perfect char.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling; this keeps them juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender, flavorful pork chops every time! Enjoy your meal with a side that complements the marinade, like grilled veggies or a light salad.
Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This marinade takes about 15 minutes to prepare. However, for maximum flavor, let the pork chops marinate for at least 1 hour, but ideally, 4 hours or overnight. Grilling them will take about 10-12 minutes, plus a few minutes to let them rest.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix it all together until well combined.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they’re fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish to keep it air-tight and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but giving it 4 hours or even overnight will give more flavor.
3. Grill the Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and let any excess sauce drip off before grilling. Grill the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and develop a lovely charred surface.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy. Garnish with extra fresh rosemary sprigs before serving. Enjoy them hot with a side of your choice, and don’t forget about the delicious possibility of using some reserved marinade warmed as a dipping sauce!
This marinade creates wonderfully caramelized pork chops bursting with savory sweetness and aromatic herbs. Your grilling skills will be showcased beautifully with each bite! Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but remember that they may cook faster. Start checking their doneness a couple of minutes earlier, around the 3-minute mark per side.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 4 hours or overnight. Just be careful not to marinate for too long, as the acidity from the vinegar or lemon juice can start to break down the meat and change its texture.
Can I Store Leftover Marinade?
It’s not recommended to reuse marinade used for raw meat. However, if you want to store some of the marinade for later use, make sure to set aside a portion before adding the pork chops. Any reserved marinade can be brought to a boil to make a safe dipping sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pork Chops If I Don’t Have a Grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the pork chops in a skillet over medium-high heat. Just add a bit of oil to the pan and follow the same cooking time until they’re browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they reach the desired temperature.
