This Pork Chop Marinade is a simple mix of soy sauce, garlic, and spices that brings out the best flavor in your chops. It’s quick to whip up and makes your meat super tasty!
You’ll love how the marinade makes pork chops juicy and flavorful. I always let them soak overnight for even more yumminess—your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add more flavor due to the bone. If you prefer boneless for ease, that’s fine too! You can also use pork loin or shoulder steaks as alternatives.
Soy Sauce: This is the star of our marinade. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari. Coconut aminos is another great alternative for a sweeter taste.
Olive Oil: It helps with marinade penetration and cooking. If you’re out of olive oil, any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil will work.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness, but if you’re looking to cut sugar, you could swap in maple syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds an acidic kick. Lemon juice would work as well. If you want more flavor, consider red wine vinegar too!
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Tender and Juicy?
To get tender and juicy pork chops, marinating is key! Here’s how to maximize it:
- Let the pork chops marinate for at least 1 hour, but ideally, opt for overnight. This allows flavors to deeply soak in.
- Before cooking, let chops reach room temperature; this helps them cook evenly.
- Do not overcook! Aim for 145°F (63°C) for juicy results. A meat thermometer helps ensure precision.
- Rest the chops after cooking—this step is crucial! Resting helps redistribute the juices for tender bites.
Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This marinade comes together in just 10 minutes! But for the best flavor, it’s best to marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour, or if you can, let them soak overnight. Cooking time is around 10-12 minutes, plus a few minutes for resting before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, olive oil, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chopped rosemary. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This tasty blend will give your pork chops so much 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 chops, making sure they’re all coated nicely. If you’re using a bag, seal it and give it a gentle shake to ensure everything is covered. If you’re using a dish, just flip the chops a couple of times. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, take the pork chops out of the marinade and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. Discard any leftover marinade. To cook, heat up a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a nice caramelized look.
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping them juicy and delicious. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh rosemary on top for an extra touch!
Enjoy your deliciously marinated, juicy pork chops! They look fantastic and taste even better! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Marinade?
Absolutely! While this marinade is great for pork chops, you can also use it on pork tenderloin, pork loin, or even pork steaks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require different cooking times.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary instead—just use about one teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you might substitute with thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave, or heat them gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops for Longer Than Overnight?
It’s best not to marinate the pork chops for longer than 24 hours as the acidity from the marinade might break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture. Aim for anywhere between 1 hour to 24 hours for the best results.