This marinade makes pork chops juicy and flavorful! With ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, every bite is packed with taste. It’s super easy to whip up too!
I’ve made these chops for friends, and they always ask for the recipe. Who knew a little marinade could make such a big difference? Give it a try for your next cookout! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for moisture and flavor. If you can’t find them, boneless chops will also work, just adjust cooking time slightly. You could also use thick pork loin or shoulder chops for a different texture.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. If you want less sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. Maple syrup is a nice substitute if you’re looking for something vegan. Brown sugar is another option, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika, but consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke for that depth. You can also use a combination of cayenne and regular paprika for heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key for juicy and flavorful pork chops. Start by making the marinade by whisking all your ingredients together. Good marinating time is at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, try to marinate overnight if you can.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish well to keep the marinade from leaking.
- When ready to cook, allow the pork to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps with even cooking.
- Grill or sear the pork over medium-high heat for that nice crust, but don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C).
- Letting the chops rest after cooking redistributes the juices, making them even tastier!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. For the best flavor, you can marinate the pork chops overnight. Cooking will take around 15 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious grilled pork chops in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it is well blended. This marinade will add amazing flavor to the pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you have time—this will make them extra tasty!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the pork chops for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a lovely sear.
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
After cooking, allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making them juicy and tender! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, and enjoy your delicious pork chops!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken breasts or thighs. Just remember to adjust the marinating time to about 30 minutes for chicken, as it requires less time than pork to absorb the flavors.
Can I Make This Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it to ensure the ingredients are well combined again!
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t touched raw meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If it has been in contact with raw pork, it’s best to discard it for safety reasons.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Certainly! You can substitute dried oregano for fresh. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. In this case, about 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is perfect for the marinade!
