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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find bone-in, thick boneless pork chops can work. Just adjust the cooking time since they cook faster without the bone.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari. Coconut aminos is another milder, gluten-free alternative that still adds a nice flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or canola oil work well too.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity and balance. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners give a nice glaze. If you prefer a lower sugar option, maple syrup or agave nectar can fit the bill.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch! In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but use about 1 teaspoon instead of 3 cloves.
How Do I Properly Marinate Pork Chops?
Marinating is key to infusing flavors in your pork chops. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
- Place pork chops in a resealable bag or shallow dish and coat evenly with the marinade.
- Seal or cover, and refrigerate. Aim for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for intense flavor.
- When ready to cook, remove excess marinade and cook on medium-high heat, ensuring nice grill marks.
- Don’t forget to let the pork chops rest after cooking. This keeps them juicy!
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 honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pork chop marinade takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate in the fridge—though 8 hours is best for flavor. After marinating, you’ll need about 12 minutes to cook the pork chops perfectly. It’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed so each chop gets a great flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops to ensure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or better yet, up to 8 hours for the best flavor.
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, letting any excess liquid drip off. Be sure to discard the used marinade. Cook the pork chops for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay in the meat. Before serving, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster due to their smaller size, so monitor the cooking time closely to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Honey or Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have honey or brown sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweeter alternative. For a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute, just check the conversion ratio on the package as it varies by brand.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is great, but for the best flavor, aim for 8 hours. If you’re planning to marinate overnight, just be cautious as the marinade may start to break down the meat too much after 24 hours, potentially making it mushy.
Can I Store Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard leftover marinade since it has been in contact with raw pork. If you’d like to save time for future use, consider making a fresh batch when marinating and just refrigerate it for up to 2 days before use. Always remember to cook any marinade that has been used with raw meat if you’re using it as a sauce later.
