This marinade is a game changer for your pork chops! With a mix of sweet and tangy flavors, it makes your meat juicy and flavorful. You’ll love how simple it is to put together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great as they stay juicy and flavorful while cooking. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too, just watch cooking time to prevent drying out.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami kick. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari. If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings in healthy fats. You can switch it with vegetable oil or avocado oil if preferred. Both still give good results.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It balances flavors beautifully. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice could work in a pinch!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you need a substitute, use honey or maple syrup, but reduce the quantity a bit as they are sweeter.
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy, flavorful pork chops starts with marinating. The longer you let the pork sit in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs. A minimum of 1 hour is good, but if you can marinate them overnight, that’s even better!
- Whisk the marinade well to ensure even flavors.
- Carefully coat the chops in the marinade, covering all sides.
- Let them sit in the fridge; this allows the flavors to penetrate.
When cooking, preheat your grill or skillet to the right temperature. This sears the meat, locking in juices. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F (63°C). Don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it lets the juices redistribute for tastier bites!
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 ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour to marinate. For the best flavor, let the pork chops marinate overnight. Cooking them will take about 12-16 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes if marinating overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, take a whisk and combine the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme (or rosemary). Whisk them all together until everything is well mixed and the sugar is dissolved. This tasty marinade is going to give your pork chops lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over them, making sure they are completely coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it tightly; if you’re using a dish, cover it well. Now, pop them in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the richest flavor, try to let them sit overnight!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, heat up your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Cook the chops on the grill or in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). They should be nice and juicy!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. And there you have it—delicious pork chops ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Marinade?
Absolutely! While bone-in pork chops are great, you can also use boneless chops, pork loin, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time, as thinner cuts may need less time on the grill or skillet.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in the marinade!
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For optimal flavor, marinating overnight is ideal! However, if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 1 hour will still impart good flavor. Just remember, the longer the pork chops marinate, the more intense the flavor will be.
How Should I Store Leftover Cooked Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil to retain moisture, or microwave them for a quick option, adding a splash of water to keep them juicy.
