The Best Pork Chop Marinade

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try boneless chops or even pork loin. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

Olive Oil: This adds richness to your marinade. For a different flavor, consider using avocado oil or even sesame oil. They both hold up well to heat.

Soy Sauce: This is key for umami and saltiness. You can swap it for tamari if you need a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste!

Apple Cider Vinegar: It gives a nice tangy bite. White wine vinegar or rice vinegar could also work well if you’ve run out.

Honey: This sweetens the marinade wonderfully. Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes if you’re avoiding honey.

How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?

Marinating is all about depth of flavor, and the longer you let your pork chops soak, the better they’ll taste. Aim for at least two hours, but overnight is even better!

• Whisk the marinade ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is combined.
• Use a large resealable bag to coat the pork evenly, making sure to squeeze out any air before sealing.
• Don’t skip letting the chops rest at room temperature before cooking; this helps them cook evenly.
• Let them rest after cooking too! Allowing the meat to sit helps keep it juicy.

The Best Pork Chop Marinade

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious pork chop marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Cooking will take approximately 15 minutes, so you can have a tasty meal ready in about 30 to 40 minutes, including marinating time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix it well until everything is nicely combined. This sauce will infuse fantastic flavor into your pork chops!

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, making sure they are thoroughly coated. If using a dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the chops soak up all those delicious flavors for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

3. Grill the Pork Chops:

When you’re ready to cook, preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Grill the pork chops for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a nice golden sear. Rest the chops for about 5 minutes after grilling to help them stay juicy.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your perfectly cooked pork chops with some freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s full of flavor!

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?

Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Since they are usually thinner than bone-in chops, reduce the cooking time to about 4-5 minutes per side to avoid overcooking them.

How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?

For best results, marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes will add some flavor!

What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider Vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar are great alternatives. They will give a slightly different flavor but will work well in the marinade without being overpowering.

How Can I Store Leftover Marinade?

You can store leftover marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you’ve marinated the pork in it, however, be sure to discard that marinade to avoid contamination. Always use fresh marinade for cooking.