This pork chop marinade is my go-to when I want incredibly juicy and flavorful chops with barely any effort. It uses just a few pantry staples and works whether you’re grilling, baking, or using the air fryer. The result? Pork chops that are tender, well-seasoned, and totally irresistible.
The Marinade That Changed My Mind About Pork Chops
I’ll be honest—pork chops never excited me much growing up. They always seemed a bit dry and bland. But once I started using this simple marinade, everything changed. It takes five minutes to whip up, and it makes a huge difference. Now, pork chops are on regular rotation at our dinner table, especially when the grill is fired up.
This marinade doesn’t just bring flavor—it transforms the meat into something that’s juicy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. And whether you’ve got an hour or the whole afternoon to let them soak, the results are always delicious. I even make extra batches to freeze for a quick, ready-to-go meal.
Why This Pork Chop Marinade Works So Well
It’s ridiculously easy. Just a handful of basic ingredients, and no fancy steps.
It’s adaptable. Use it for grilling, baking, air frying, or even on chicken and pork tenderloin.
It makes pork chops taste amazing. Seriously, no more boring dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this magic marinade:
- Olive oil – Helps coat the meat and prevents sticking, especially on the grill.
- Soy sauce – Adds that rich umami flavor. Go with low sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
- Brown sugar – A touch of sweetness that also helps with that perfect caramelized crust. You can use honey instead if you prefer.
- Dijon mustard – This adds a mild tangy depth to the marinade.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for best flavor. It’s the backbone of any good marinade.
- Black pepper – Just enough for a subtle kick. No extra salt needed thanks to the soy sauce.
How to Marinate Pork Chops
- Mix the marinade in a bowl until everything is well combined.
- Place the pork chops in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chops and make sure they’re well coated.
- Optional tip: Reserve a few spoonfuls of the marinade (before it touches the raw meat) to brush over the chops in the final minutes of cooking for even more flavor.
- Refrigerate and let the flavors do their thing. Flip the chops halfway through if possible.
- Always marinate in the fridge, and don’t reuse the marinade after it’s been in contact with raw meat.
You can use bone-in or boneless chops here. I like bone-in for the extra juiciness, but either works well. The key is to not overcook them—use a meat thermometer if you have one and aim for 145°F, then let them rest for 3 minutes before slicing in.
How Long Should You Marinate?
You’ll get good results with just 1 hour, but up to 8 hours gives deeper flavor. If you’re prepping ahead, it’s totally fine to let them marinate a little longer—just don’t go overboard beyond 24 hours, or the texture might start to break down.
Freezer Tip: Make Ahead and Store
One of my favorite tricks is to marinate and freeze the pork chops together. Just toss the raw chops and marinade into a freezer bag, give it a little massage to coat everything, and freeze flat. When you need a quick dinner, pull it out the night before and thaw it in the fridge. The pork will marinate as it thaws—double win.
You can freeze the marinated pork for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These pork chops are super versatile and pair well with a lot of sides. Here are a few we love:
- Veggies: Try roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or grilled zucchini.
- Potatoes: Air fryer wedges or classic roasted potatoes are always a hit.
- Grains: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes.
- Salads: Add a fresh touch with a crisp kale salad or a colorful quinoa salad.
Leftovers & Storage
Leftover pork chops will keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them from drying out.
You can also slice the leftovers thinly and use them in wraps, grain bowls, or even as a topping for a hearty salad.
Pork Loin Chop Marinade
This pork chop marinade is a go-to recipe when a quick, flavor-packed dinner is needed. It's made with just a few simple ingredients and works well for grilling, baking, or air frying pork chops.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bone-in pork chops, at least 1-inch thick is best*
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Place the pork chops in a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
- Cook the pork chops using your preferred method, such as grilling:
- Preheat grill to 400° F (medium-high heat).
- Remove pork chops from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
- Sear the pork chops on the grill for about 2 minutes per side. Then reduce the heat to medium.
- Continue grilling for an additional 4-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145° F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. Thicker pork chops may require more time.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Boneless pork chops can also be used. They may cook slightly faster.
- For extra flavor, reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade before adding it to the pork, and brush it on the chops during the final minutes of cooking.
- Nutrition information assumes all marinade is consumed, which is unlikely.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 500Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 132mgSodium 764mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 0gSugar 10gProtein 42g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! It works beautifully on chicken and pork tenderloin too.
What’s the best way to cook marinated pork chops?
Grilling brings out the best flavor, but you can also bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
Do I need to add salt?
Nope. The soy sauce provides plenty of saltiness on its own.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes. You can mix the marinade and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.
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