This pork chop marinade is a fantastic mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. It really helps the chops soak up flavor and become super tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this marinade as they stay juicy while cooking. However, you can also use boneless pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, which is gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. If you need a substitute, canola oil or avocado oil can work well too. Both will keep your chops moist without altering the taste too much.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the flavors and adds tanginess. White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used if you don’t have apple cider vinegar. They’ll offer a similar bright taste.
Dijon Mustard: Known for its sharpness, Dijon is a winner here. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard or even a grainy mustard will do just fine!
How Can I Get Pork Chops Perfectly Cooked Without Drying Them Out?
The secret to juicy pork chops lies in proper marination and cooking. Start by ensuring your pork chops are marinated for at least an hour, but longer for better flavor. When cooking, be mindful not to overcook them.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat; this helps sear the meat quickly.
- After marinating, remove excess marinade, but don’t rinse them off. This keeps the flavor.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 145°F (63°C).
- Letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, giving you that juicy bite.
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires marinating for at least 1 hour to up to 8 hours for maximum flavor. You’ll also need about 10 minutes to cook the pork chops, making it a total of around 1 hour and 25 minutes if you marinate for the minimum time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well and the brown sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are evenly coated with the tasty mix. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, you can let them marinate for up to 8 hours.
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Make sure to discard the used marinade. Grill or cook the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and you can see those lovely grill marks!
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
After cooking, take the pork chops off the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and enjoy your deliciously marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat with This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken, beef, and even shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so always check for the appropriate internal temperature for the type of meat you are using.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Just use a little less than the recipe calls for, as these substitutes can be more acidic, so start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
How Long Can I Marinate Pork Chops?
The ideal marinating time is anywhere from 1 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can add some flavor! Just remember, marinating too long can lead to overly salty meat due to the soy sauce.
How to 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 one week. However, if it has been in contact with raw pork, it’s safer to discard it.
