This easy pork chop marinade brings great flavor to your meat with just a few simple ingredients. It’s tangy, a bit sweet, and perfect for grilling or baking!
I love letting the pork soak up those tasty flavors overnight. It makes every bite juicy and delicious. Just don’t forget to save a chop for the next day! 😄
You can whip this marinade up in minutes, and it really makes the pork chops shine. Pair it with some veggies for an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best as they stay juicy and tender while cooking. If you can only find boneless, that works too, but keep an eye on cooking time as they might cook faster.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor component, soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. If you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos as great substitutes.
Olive Oil: This gives moisture and helps with cooking. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative due to its high smoke point.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat. White wine vinegar or lemon juice can substitute if needed.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness of brown sugar balances the salty soy sauce. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the marinade. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be used, but fresh offers the best flavor.
Oregano: This dried herb adds an earthy flavor. You could also use Italian seasoning in a pinch, which includes oregano plus other herbs.
How Can You Ensure the Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is the key to a tasty and tender pork chop. Letting the chops sit in the marinade allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Always aim for at least one hour, but overnight is best!
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Use a resealable bag or dish to ensure the pork chops get evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the pork chops during this time. It’s important!
When grilling, preheat your grill properly. This helps create nice grill marks and seal in the juices. Grill on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring they hit 145°F (63°C). Waiting 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your perfectly marinated chops!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pork chop marinade requires about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour in the fridge to marinate, though overnight is even better! When you’re ready to grill, plan for about 15 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll need a little patience for marinating, but the results are well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix them until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This will be the flavorful marinade for your pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure each chop is coated nicely. If using a bag, seal it tightly; if using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap. Put it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it sit overnight if you can.
3. Grill the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill each chop for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have nice grill marks. This will give you juicy and tender pork chops!
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once they are cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps them stay juicy! Then, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy your flavorful and tender pork chops!
Can I Substitute Olive Oil with Another Oil?
Absolutely! You can use canola oil, avocado oil, or even vegetable oil if you prefer. These oils will provide a similar flavor and help tenderize the pork. Just keep in mind that if you’re using a flavored oil (like garlic-infused), it might alter the taste slightly.
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?
The longer, the better! For optimal flavor, aim to marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let them soak overnight in the fridge. Just remember not to marinate too long (over 24 hours), as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat and affect the texture.
What Can I Serve with Pork Chops?
Pork chops pair wonderfully with various sides! Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also add a side of applesauce or a tangy coleslaw for a nice contrast in flavors.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist, or microwave them for a quick option.
