This pork chop marinade is a game changer! With a mix of tangy soy sauce, zesty garlic, and a hint of sweetness, it makes the meat super flavorful and juicy.
I love how easy it is to whip up this marinade. Just a quick mix and it works its magic in the fridge. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are juicy and flavorful. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too. Just be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my choice for its taste. If you’re looking for a substitute, canola or avocado oil are good options due to their high smoke points.
Soy Sauce: This gives the marinade its savory kick. If you’re avoiding gluten, use tamari as a gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos are also a nice, slightly sweeter substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds brightness to the marinade. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar if needed, but the flavor might shift a bit.
Honey: For sweetness, honey is perfect. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup works well too. Just adjust the quantity slightly as it is sweeter.
Dried Thyme & Smoked Paprika: These herbs add depth. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning can work in place of thyme. Regular paprika can replace smoked paprika, but you won’t get that smoky flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender and flavorful pork chops lies in marinating and grilling them correctly. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and keeps it moist during cooking.
- Mix the marinade well and make sure the pork chops are fully coated; using a resealable bag helps get every inch covered.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but aim for 4-8 hours if you can. The longer, the better!
- When grilling, preheat your grill so you get nice sear marks and flavor. Use medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes each side.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling. Letting the chops rest for a few minutes helps keep the juices locked in.
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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pork:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious marinade takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus marinating time. It’s best if the pork chops marinate for 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, aim for 4-8 hours. Cooking the chops will take around 15 minutes on the grill, so in total, you will want to set aside about 1 hour and 25 minutes to 8 hours and 25 minutes depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together well until it’s nicely blended together. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are completely covered. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let them soak up all that flavor in the refrigerator!
3. Marinate:
Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, letting them sit for 4-8 hours will give you the best flavor!
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot.
5. Grill the Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chops on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have those beautiful grill marks! It’s important to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving for a touch of color. Enjoy your tasty pork chops!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Marinade?
Absolutely! While bone-in pork chops yield great flavor and tenderness, you can also use boneless pork chops, pork tenderloin, or even pork ribeye. Adjust the cooking time as needed; boneless cuts will generally cook a bit faster.
Is It Possible to Make This Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making your pork chops even tastier when you’re ready to use it.
How to Store Leftover Marinade?
Since this marinade contains raw meat juices, it’s best to discard any leftover marinade after marinating the pork. However, if you want to make a large batch for future use, you can adjust the recipe to make extra, minus the pork. Store any unused portions in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar?
Sure! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar. Each will provide a slightly different taste, but they will still enhance the overall flavor of the marinade nicely.
