The BEST Pork Chop Marinade
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The BEST Pork Chop Marinade is a quick and easy marinade made with pantry staples! It will make your pork chops extra juicy, full of flavor and delicious. This pork marinade works great if you are grilling outside or if you are inside using a grill pan!
This post is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. All text and opinions are my own.
This quick and easy Pork Chop Marinade is going to quickly become your new go-to pork marinade for all your grilling. So easy to make with pantry staples and it makes your pork chops tender and full of flavor.
There’s nothing like firing up the grill on a summer evening and throwing some pork chops on it along with my favorite Grilled Asparagus and Grilled Baked Potatoes!
It is an entire meal all prepared on the grill with minimal clean up in the kitchen. This is something I can get behind!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Pork Chop Marinade!
- It only takes 5 minutes to mix up!
- Tenderizes your pork chop so you’ll pull a juicy, delicious pork chop off the grill that will have your mouth watering.
- Infuses your pork with so much flavor! No dry, tough, flavorless pork for you!
You know what else I can get behind? Supporting my favorite farmers! Especially my friends over in Iowa that produce amazing pork.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you a little about the Iowa Pork Producers today!
First of all, did you know that one-third of all the pork raised in the U.S. comes from Iowa? That’s amazing! Plus, most of the pork raised on those farms in Iowa is eaten right here in the United States.
Every time you pick up pork from a grocery store across the United States, you are supporting family farms in Iowa. Now that right there is awesome!
Family farms are the key to pork production across Iowa.
Ingredients for Pork Chop Marinade
- Brown Sugar – Adds just a touch of sweetness, plus it helps to caramelize the pork chops when you cook them.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Prevents the pork from sticking to the grill plus helps transfer the flavors to the pork while it marinades.
- Soy Sauce – We like to use reduce sodium, but regular works too. This provides flavor and helps tenderize your pork chop.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a depth of flavor!
- Salt & Black Pepper – Adjust to your taste buds, you can even leave the salt out since the soy sauce provides plenty of salt.
- Garlic – Provides so much flavor. Fresh garlic works best.
- Bone-in pork chops – Any thickness works and you can use boneless if you prefer, just adjust your cooking times.
Can I use Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes! We just prefer the bone-in pork chops because they keep the meat extra moist and juicy.
Remember to watch the internal temperature of the pork chops when you grill them. Pull them off at 145 degrees Fahrenheit which is safe to consume according to the USDA and then allow to rest. This helps give you a juicy pork chops no matter if they are bone-in or boneless.
How to Marinate Pork Chops
- Mix Marinade – First, grab a small bowl and whisk all of the ingredients except pork chops together.
- Marinate – Next, grab a resealable zip lock bag or and place the pork chops in it. Pour the marinade you prepared into it. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible and seal. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
How to Grill Marinated Pork Chops
- Preheat Grill – When you are ready to grill the pork chops preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place pork chops on grill or in pan.
- Grill – Discard remaining marinade. Grill the pork chops over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in the middle of the meat reaches 145 degrees F. Remove from grill or grill pan.
- Rest – Let pork chops stand for 5 minutes before eating to let juices redistribute. This gets you that super juicy, delicious pork chop!
The Secret Ingredient! Soy Sauce!
Don’t leave out the soy sauce! It’s like a secret ingredient.
It acts as a brine, which injects the pork with tons of flavor and makes it juicy. It’s way better than your basic salt and water brine because it also brings a flavor to your marinade.
No, don’t worry, it won’t make your pork chops take on an Asian flavor!
How Long to Marinate Pork Chops
After a hour the pork chops will already benefit from the marinating. I prefer to let them marinate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours to get the most out of the marinade!
I love throwing my pork chops in the marinade so when I come home they are ready to go and I can have dinner in about ten minutes!
Can you marinate Pork Chops to long?
Yes, any acid in the marinade starts to break down the protein, aka the pork chop, after 1 day, so we recommend not marinading these longer than 24 hours.
What temperature should Pork Chops be cooked too?
Research shows that pork can be consumed safely when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degree F and followed by a three minute rest time.
This yields a finished product that is pinker in color than home cooks were used to, but no worries it’s totally safe!
We recommend an instant read food thermometer to make sure your meat is safe to consume.
Can You Freeze this Marinade?
Yes! This makes a great freezer meal!
To freeze simply freeze uncooked pork in resealable bag with marinade, making sure the pork chops are coated. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To use, place the pork chops in the refrigerator overnight to completely thaw. Grill as directed.
Double this recipe, freeze half of it and you just made two meals. This is my kind of cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Imagine biting into a tender, juicy and delicious pork chop with amazing flavor. The perfect easy dinner recipe!
More Pork Chop Recipes!
- Grilled Boneless Pork Chops
- Smoked Pork Chops
- Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops
- Sheet Pan Parmesan Pork Chops
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Shop Now!Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ c. reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 bone-in pork chops
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk all the ingredients except the pork chops.
- Add pork chops to a resealable zip lock bag or large bowl and pour the marinade over the top of the pork chops. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible and seal.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place pork chops on grill or in pan. Discard remaining marinade.
- Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in the middle of the meat reaches 145 degrees F. Remove from grill.
- Let pork chops stand for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- FREEZER METHOD: Freeze uncooked pork in bag with marinade. To use, completely thaw in refrigerator. Grill as directed.
- The soy sauce in this recipe acts as a brine, which injects the pork with tons of flavor and makes it juicy. It’s way better than your basic salt and water brine because it also brings a flavor to your marinade.
- After a hour the pork chops will already benefit from the marinating. I prefer to let them marinate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours to get the most out of the marinade!
- After five days you want to discard the pork chops if they are in the marinade that long. This is due to food safety concerns.
- Research shows that pork can be consumed safely when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degree F and followed by a three minute rest time. This yields a finished product that is pinker in color than home cooks were used to, but no worries it’s totally safe!
sharon says
can i do this with boneless pork chops ?
the Evinks says
Yes you sure can!
Kelley says
This marinade is amazing! Family said it was the best pork chops they ever had. Thank you so much for the recipe!
the Evinks says
So glad it was a hit Kelley!! Thank you for commenting and rating the recipe!
Melissa says
BEST marinade for pork EVER! Only go to recipe now-
the Evinks says
So glad you enjoyed it Melissa! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Cathy says
I used this marinade with boneless pork chops, and it was very good! I substituted coconut aminos for the soy sauce, but I didn’t need to add the salt. They came out a bit too salty, so next time will definitely omit it!
Bill Tiedemann says
Looks like a 5 star. Going to try it tonight. Will keep you posted!
Bill Tiedemann says
5 star for sure! Baked them in the oven at 425 along with my asparagus. Juicy and delicious! Thanks!
Megan Mitzel says
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for coming back to let us know, we’re glad you loved it!
Julie says
I was wondering if this could be done in the slow cooker?
Megan Mitzel says
I haven’t tried pork chops in the slow cooker, if you try it let me know how it goes!
Buffalo says
I made this and it was outstanding. I did 1 1/4 inch boneless loin chops. I used a Jaccard to pierce before placing in the marinade. Then marinated 2 days. I grilled two and vacuum packed the rest and froze. Talk about an easy and quick delicious meal. I’ve shared this with many friends and they love it. Thanks for sharing.
Megan Mitzel says
I’m glad you loved it, thanks for sharing our recipe!
Donna Lucier says
OMG this was these best pork chops I have ever made andI have been cooking for along time. I have already shared the recipe. Thank you!!!!!
Megan Mitzel says
That is great to hear, Donna! I’m so glad you loved them!
Patricia Denham says
This is my only marinade now!
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! So happy you love it!
VON says
Can’t wait to try these, I do most of the cooking, however my wife always does the chops & they always come out dry, I haven’t worked much with chops so I’m excited to try your marinating recipe six boneless chops are in the fridge now going to grill them about 7:00 this evening thanks so much for sharing
the Evinks says
My biggest suggestion and tip is going to be pulling them off the grill when they are at 145 degrees internal temp and letting them rest a bit before you enjoy them!
Sarah says
Loved the recipe, juicy for sure! Thanks so much for sharing!
Megan Mitzel says
You’re welcome! I’m glad it was a hit!
Ann says
We made this on Saturday for a weekly get-together we have with family (we take turns cooking each week) and everyone loved it! Might try with steak kabobs!
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! Glad it was a hit!
Sue says
Can you make this in the oven, on the stove in a frying pan or on a grill likens George Foreman?
Julie Evink says
The frying pan and grill like a Foreman would work. I would recommend saute them for a few minutes on each side then baking them at 350 degrees F if you bake them to seal in the flavor!
Shelley says
This looks wonderful and I will try it though I admit I’m one of those who grew up in the days when pink pork was a no-no. ?
I hope you don’t mind, but I saw a typo in your post I thought I’d bring to your attention. Above you say “Let the pork chops stand before standing” I’m guessing the word “standing” maybe should be “slicing” or “serving”?
Julie Evink says
I was brought up that way and it took a while to adjust but it’s so juicy when it’s not overcooked 🙂 Thanks for letting me know about the typo!
Becky says
WOW!!! This marinade makes the best pork chops ever. I recommend marinating at least eight hours.
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it Becky! Thanks for commenting and rating this recipe!
Noelle says
You were right, this was the BEST!! The flavor is unreal, thank you!
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Alyssa says
Classic flavors in this marinade. We love it!
Julie Evink says
Can’t go wrong with a classic!
Danielle Green says
Looking forward to making this!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy!
Mary says
Looking forward to making it this weekend
Southern Home Express says
I’m always looking for a new pork chop recipe, and this one looks wonderful! Thank you!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy!
Michael says
Absolutely outstanding!
Used a 1/1/2″, bone-in pork chop.
Marinated for 24+ hours.
By far, the juiciest, most succulent grilled pork chop I have ever made.
Antone who doesn’t try this recipe is depriving themselves of a wonderful meal.
I am looking forward to making this again.
Julie Evink says
Thank you so much for coming back and rating this and leaving a comment! So glad you enjoyed your pork chops!
Anna says
can you use this for chicken
Megan Mitzel says
Yes you could!
Roslia Santamaria says
This looks super tasty!! I can’t wait to give it a try! It’s all delicious ingredients 🙂
Julie Evink says
Hope you love them!