This marinade for pork chops is simple and super tasty! It mixes soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness to keep your meat juicy and flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute it with other oils like avocado oil or even vegetable oil if olive oil isn’t available.
Soy Sauce: It gives a nice umami flavor. If you want a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This offers a tangy kick. Lemon juice is a great alternative if you don’t have vinegar on hand. Just make sure to use a little less since it’s more potent.
Honey: I love using honey for its sweetness, but maple syrup or agave nectar can work just as well, especially for vegan options.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder; just half the amount. It might not be as vibrant, but it still works!
Ginger: This is optional, but I think it adds a wonderful warmth. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be an alternative. Use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you like spice! If you want less heat, you can skip them. Alternatively, use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar kick.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Tender and Juicy?
Marinating is essential for flavor and tenderness. Start by letting the pork chops soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best. The acid from the vinegar helps to break down the meat, making it juicier.
- Use a resealable plastic bag for easy coating and minimal mess.
- Always discard the leftover marinade; it’s best not to reuse it as it has raw meat juices.
- Let the chops rest after cooking for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside!
How to Make the Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and 2 hours to marinate the pork chops. If you can leave them overnight, that’s even better! Cooking time will be around 10-14 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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, grated ginger (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes until everything is well mixed. This delicious marinade will bring flavor to your pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are completely coated in the mixture. You want all that yummy flavor to soak in!
3. Refrigerate:
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. For best results, let the pork chops marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. This step makes the meat super flavorful and tender.
4. Get Ready to Cook:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. We want to grill these beautifully coated chops!
5. Cook the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops on your grill or in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The chops should be nice and juicy!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, giving you the best flavor. If you’d like, you can garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty pork chops!
Can I Use Different Types of Vinegar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or red wine vinegar. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in the marinade.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops for Longer Than Overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the pork chops for up to 24 hours. However, be cautious with especially acidic marinades (like those with vinegar) as they can start to break down the meat and make it mushy if left too long. For best results, stick to the 2 to 12-hour window.
How to Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t come into contact with raw meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use it to marinate vegetables or as a salad dressing. Avoid using marinade that has been in contact with the raw pork for safety reasons.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pork Chops if I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can easily pan-sear the pork chops on a skillet or bake them in the oven. For skillet cooking, use medium-high heat as directed in the recipe. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20-25 minutes until they reach the necessary internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
