This marinade gives pork chops a flavor boost that’s hard to resist! It combines sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients for a deliciously juicy result every time.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix it, let the chops soak, and they turn out so tasty—perfect for grilling or pan-searing. You’ll be the star of the dinner table! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops offer more flavor and juiciness, but boneless work just as well for convenience. Feel free to use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin if you prefer a leaner option.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re low on olive oil, vegetable oil or even melted butter can work as good substitutes.
Soy Sauce: It gives the marinade a salty and umami kick. For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce. You can also replace it with coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity and helps tenderize the meat. White vinegar or rice vinegar can also be effective substitutes, though they may slightly change the flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. Maple syrup can be a delightful alternative for a unique flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
The magic of this marinade lies in how long you let it work its flavor. Marinating for at least an hour is good, but overnight is best! This allows the pork to soak in all the deliciousness, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until blended.
- Place pork chops in a resealable bag, pour the marinade, and seal tightly to ensure coverage.
- For best results, flip the bag halfway through marinating to even out the flavor.
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour (up to overnight) for marinating the pork chops. Cooking will take another 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chops. So, plan for a total of a few hours if you include marinating time, or less if you’re in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix it until everything is well combined. This flavorful marinade will make the pork chops tender and tasty!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they’re well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it into the refrigerator to marinate. For the best flavor, let them sit for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better!
3. Cook 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 let any excess marinade drip off. Now, grill the bone-in chops for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or if you’re cooking boneless, grill them for 4-6 minutes on each side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making them extra juicy! When ready to serve, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your delicious, flavorful pork chops marinated to perfection!
Can I Use Different Types of Vinegar in This Marinade?
Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that balsamic vinegar will add a touch of sweetness and color to your marinade.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate pork chops for up to 24 hours; however, 1 to 8 hours is typically recommended for the best flavor without compromising the meat’s texture. Just be sure to keep them in the fridge during the marinating process!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
Leftover marinade should not be reused on raw meat due to safety concerns. However, you can simmer it in a saucepan for about 5 minutes to kill any bacteria and then use it as a sauce for your pork chops or store it in the fridge for a few days.
Can I Freeze Marinated Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze marinated pork chops! Place the pork chops and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking for the best results.
