Best Marinade For Grilling Pork Chops

How Long To Brine Pork Chops

Pork Chop Marinade – Perfect Pork Chops Every Time

Time is the second most important variable in relation to brining .

Below are recommended soaking times based on thickness and size. You want to make sure that the brine has a chance to reach deep into the meat.

Thin pork chops: 2 to 6 hoursThick cut pork chops: 6 to 12 hoursDouble cut pork chops: 12 to 24 hours

TIP: If you only had 30 minutes you should still brine your pork. A brine works from the outside in, or in other words from the parts of the chop most likely to dry out during cooking towards the center. Therefore even a brief soak can make a difference.

How To Cook The Pork Chops

I almost always grill these pork chops. They turn out perfect every time .

You can try throwing them in an air fryer, pan fry them, or cook in the oven on broil.

The key is to cook them just until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees F at the thickest part. Remove them from the heat, tent with foil, and let them rest 10 minutes before serving.

These pork chops are so delicious they force me to grill rain, snow or shine. We enjoy them year round!

And they are the perfect dish to serve to company. Talk about a simple show stopper!

With hundreds of five-star reviews, their popularity is deserved!

Here are a few rave reviews from people other than myself:

Michelle: Amazing! Best pork Ive made in really long time and will be my go to! Thank you so much!

Barbara: Best pork chops. I have used this recipe many times and it is the only way I will make them. Previously my husband refused to have pork chops now he asks for them

Dawn Jean: I made this tonight on some pork tenderloin, I promised my husband that if it was dry that I would never make pork on the grill againIll be making this again, it was delicious!

Erika: Spot on. Would not change one thing. Still tender with so much great flavor knowing my hubby eats everything well done. Will be making this every week but taking mine off sooner. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.

Easy Grilled Pork Chops

It only takes a few minutes of grilling over high heat on each side of thin pork chops for them to get maximum flavor and for them to be perfectly cooked.

What are thin pork chops? Theyre typically about 1/4-inch thick, boneless or bone-in. Pork labeled as cutlets are also known as thin pork chops look for ones cut from the tenderloin which will be the least tough.

1. Marinate the Pork Chops

Season pork chops and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.

2. Prepare a Grill for Medium Heat

Preheat a clean gas or charcoal grill for medium heat. You can also use a grill pan on the stove. If youre using a grill pan, cook the pork chops in batches, as there needs to be at least one inch between each chop so that the chops dont steam.

3. Drain and Season the Pork Chops

Drain the pork chops and season with salt and pepper.

4. Grill the Pork Chops on One Side for 4 Minutes

Brush the grill with oil. Place chops on grill grate and let them cook until they easily release without sticking, about 4 minutes.

5. Flip and Cook On the Second Side for 3 minutes

Its difficult to use a thermometer to take an internal temperature on a thin pork chop so you just need to trust the timing. If you do take a temperature, you want it to be 145 degrees F.

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The Best Pork Chop Marinade Recipe

I love grilled pork chops, especially if they are juicy and flavorful. This Pork Chop Marinade for Grilling will give you both.

My mom has been using this recipe as her pork chop marinade for years and its been my go-to pork chop marinade ever since she gave it to me.

Pork chops sometimes cook up dry, but this marinade makes the pork so juicy and full of perfectly-balanced flavor. Its fail-proof!

This recipe also works great with chicken. Either protein is delicious.

Most Common Questions And Tips

The Best Grilled Pork Chops in a Tasty Marinade

What Kind Of Pork Chops to Use?

Use bone-in pork chops that are between 1 and 1 1/2 inches thick. Thin pork chops will cook very fast and you will run the risk of overcooking them.

How Long Should I Marinate Pork Chops?

This is a nice, strong marinade so you can marinate pork chops for as little as 2 hours. Feel free to marinate thicker pork chops overnight.

At What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops?

You will want to set your grill to medium-high temperature, which is ranging from 425°-500°. Prepare the grill to have two temperature zones! In case the pork is turning dark too fast, you will need to finish cooking it over the cooler side.

Read Also: Garlic Chicken On The Grill

How Long To Cook Pork Chops On The Grill

One of the best parts about grilling pork chops? It is FAST!

The amount of time you need to cook pork chops on the grill will vary based on the thickness and whether you choose bone-in or boneless.

  • My recommended 1 ½ inch, bone-in pork chops cook in 9 to 12 minutes over medium high heat. Flip them once halfway through.
  • Check the pork early. You can always put your pork back on the grill to cook for longer, but once its overcooked, there is no return.

Can I Use Other Cuts Of Pork

Yes, you can! Pork chops are my favorite cut when grilling pork. But you can also marinate and grill pork tenderloin medallions or even pork steaks. But keep in mind that regardless of what cut of pork you choose to grill, the internal temperature needs to be 145°F when checked with a digital thermometer.

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Pork Chop Marinade Ingredients

  • Olive Oil: The olive oil helps to transfer the flavors from the other marinade ingredients to the meat. It also keeps the meat from sticking to the grill.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds delicious flavor. I recommend using a low sodium soy sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the marinade to caramelize on the pork chops as they cook. You can substitute honey if you prefer.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings so much flavor! Youll love the subtle tanginess that it brings to the marinade.
  • Garlic: You cant beat the flavor of fresh garlic in a marinade.
  • Black Pepper: I add pepper, but not salt, because the soy sauce is plenty salty.

Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.

Our Favorite Pork Chop Marinade

How to Make The Best Pork Chop Marinade | The Stay At Home Chef

One of my favorite things to grill is pork chops. Grilling them is a great way to seal in the juices and flavor while still keeping the pork nice and juicy. Cant forget about the extra smoky flavor from the grill, especially when using charcoal or wood burning grill.

Pork is a great meat because it has a mild natural flavor and at the same time, it goes great with many seasonings and sauces. This is a fast-cooking meat too, which could be good or bad. Its good because dinner will be ready in just a few minutes but the bad part is how easy it is to overcook.

If youve been afraid to cook pork because youve had it come out dry, marinating it first will help you battle that. Marinating and watching the temperature and doneness closely as well. I have a few tips on cooking juicy pork chops below, to keep reading!

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How Long To Cook Bone

For best results, use a leave-in meat thermometer to track the temperature of the meat. It will give you the best indication when the meat is done.

If youre grilling thin and boneless pork chops that are about 1/2 inch thick, all you need is about 3- 4 minutes per side.

When grilling bone-in pork chops that are about 1 inch thick, estimate about 10-12 minutes total cook time.

For grilling bone-in pork chops that are about 1 1/2 inches thick, estimate 16-18 minutes but can take up to 20 minutes total cook time.

NOTE: cooking times are always an estimate because each piece of meal has different thickness and composition and each grill will cook differently. You may also need to start on the hot side and finish the meat on the cooler side.

When are Pork Chops Done?

Always measure the center of the pork chops and not right next to the bone.

How Long Should I Marinate Pork Chops

. However, you’ll get the best flavor penetration if you marinade your pork chops for 24 hours.

You can marinate them overnight or whip up the marinade in the morning and marinate the chops throughout the day until you’re ready to cook later that evening.

Even if you only have a single hour to marinate, it is worth doing it.

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Best Pork Chops For Grilling

A rib chop, sometimes called a center-cut rib chop, is my go-to cut. It has a bone that runs along one side and a border of fat. On the grill, the fat melts and the marrow in the bone caramelizes, which translates to a whole lot of good feelings that ensue as we dig in!

I prefer a cut that is 2 inches thick. Any thinner, it is more likely to dry out on the grill or get too salty in the brine.

Boneless chops, although pricier, are an option if youre looking for an all-around leaner cut of meat. They are basically rib chops with the bone and some of the fat trimmed off. My family isnt shy about a generous ribbon of fat, so I hardly trim any off. Leave at least a 1/8-inch layer of it on since fat adds flavor as it renders on the grill.

Do You Rinse Marinade Off Pork Chops

Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

If youre grilling, broiling, or pan-searing your pork chops, you should drain the marinade before cooking. Too much liquid while cooking can prevent the meat from browning. Its best to pat your chops dry with a paper towel for extra measure.

Now, if youre baking, braising, or slow-cooking your chops, no need to rinse. You can use your marinade as a rich sauce.

Important: Make sure to marinate your chops in a refrigerator and never at room temp. This keeps your food safe and flavor intact.

And if youll be cooking your marinade /using it as a sauce, make sure it comes to a complete boil. You may opt to boil your marinade separately then drizzle it onto your chops as well.

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How Long Do You Marinate Pork Chops

Here are the ideal marinating times for pork chops:

  • 1-3 hours for thin-cut pork chops
  • 2-6 hours for thick-cut pork chops

The key is to let the pork chops marinate for at least one hour. However, if youre short of time, even 30 minutes of marinating will make a difference. If you want to make it ahead of time, store the marinated pork chops for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How Does A Marinade Work

Now that we know the benefits of a marinade. How does it work?

  • FAT: the olive oil distributes the oil-soluble flavors evenly throughout the protein and fully unlocks the flavor. Fat also adds moisture to the protein so its especially important on lean cuts such as pork chops and chicken breasts.
  • ACID: the orange juice and balsamic vinegar help tenderize the meat by breaking down lean muscle fibers. The fresh, bright, tangy flavor citrus also balances the sweet maple.
  • SALT: in thiscase, soy sauce and salt, create a brine, which increases the moisture capacity of the protein, helping it become juicer and more flavorful. First, the salt hydrates the muscle tissues via osmosis second, it changes the cells structure so that they can no longer contract when cooking. This means less water will be squeezed out and lost, resulting in juicier protein. Finally, the brine draws the aromatic flavor further down below the surface into the protein and enhances all of the flavors. You can pile on herbs and seasonings but if a marinade is missing salt it will taste bland.
  • SUGAR: balances the acid, adds complexity and helps promote a browning when cooked for more enhanced flavor. 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
  • FLAVOR ENHANCERS: add flavor to the meat. In this pork chop marinade, the flavor enhances include chipotle chile pepper,garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme and pepper.

Also Check: Dry Rub For Grilled Pork Chops

How To Make Pork Chop Marinade

  • Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, olive oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl. Whisk until blended.
  • Pierce the pork chops with a fork all over, and then place in a large resealable plastic bag.
  • Pour the marinade over the pork chops, squeeze out excess air and seal the bag.
  • Massage the bag so the pork chops get coated thoroughly with the marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator.

Ingredients For The Brine:

The Best Pork Chop Marinade
  • 1 cup of boiling hot microwaved apple cider vinegar
  • ½ lb of ice cubes

Alton Brown usually has some incredible ideas when it comes to cooking so I decided to search for an Alton Brown pork chop brine.

I found a quick and easy two hour mustard brine that he uses for his stuffed pork chop recipe.

I didnt want to stuff the chops this time so I just snagged his brine to soften up the pork and to provide some flavor.

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What Type Of Pork Chops Are Best For Grilled Pork Chops

For my grilled pork chops I used bone-in pork chops. However, you can use boneless if thats what you have.

Pork top loin chops with a bone or pork loin fillets look very similar to pork chops and can also be used.

I always use fresh rather than frozen pork chops although they are fine, too, as long as theyre fully thawed before marinating them.

Perfect Pork Chop Marinade

The best pork chop marinade recipe makes your pork chops extra juicy and flavorful. Mine is a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, spicy brown mustard and more, with a touch of hot sauce for a bit of zing. Perfect for grilling, baking, broiling, however you want to cook your pork chops! And just look at that awesome crust.

Do you like pork chops? I do. I enjoy mine grilled or seared on the outside with a nice and juicy inside, and a good level of seasoning.

I’ll cook them up in different ways – on the grill, in the broiler, baked in the oven, seared in a pan – and no matter how they are cooked, the best way to get that awesome flavor AND that wonderful juicy tenderness is with a good marinade.

The best pork chop marinade makes your chops extra juicy and flavorful. That’s exactly what I have here for you, my friends. I’ve been experimenting with different marinades for different cuts of meat, and today I’m bringing you my favorite pork chop marinade recipe.

It’s filled with a mixture of soy sauce, spicy brown mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, along with brown sugar, seasonings, lots of fresh garlic, and, an extra awesome ingredient – HOT SAUCE! It adds just a touch of zing, so much better than anything from the grocery store.

This marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, broiling, however you want to cook your pork chops. Notice the wonderful crust on the chops when you’re done, absolutely amazing.

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What To Marinate Pork Chops In

When marinating any kind of meat, we typically use 2 different vessels:

  • Casserole dish: if you use a casserole dish, we recommend flipping your pork chops a few times to make sure everything is nice and coated. You cal also use any kind of deep pan you have on hand.
  • Gallon-size plastic bag: I prefer to use a plastic bag because I find that more of the meat gets coated.
  • Pork Rib Chop Recommended

    Grilled Beer Marinated Pork Chops
    • Other names: bone-in rib chops, rib pork chop, center-cut rib chop, pork chop end cut, pork rib cut chop, rib end cut.
    • Where its from: This cut of pork comes from the center of the pork loin and is my recommendation for this pork chop marinade recipe. It is one of the best pork chops you can buy. It includes a T-shaped rib bone that has been cleaned which helps the pork cook evenly and makes the pork harder to overcook.
    • About: These bone-in pork chops are the most desirable cut of pork chop. They are wonderfully tender and meaty with a mild pork flavor. I recommend them over boneless pork chops because they have a little more fat which = more flavor and the bone serves as a conductor which helps them cook evenly, keeps them wonderfully juicy and makes them hard to overcook.

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    Are There Alternatives To Grilling Pork Chops On A Gas Grill

    Its summertime and for us, that means grilling season! Anything and everything that I can put on my outdoor gas grill, I do.

    However, if gas grilling pork chops isnt an option for you, there are some alternative cooking methods you can try:

    • A charcoal grill is also fine if thats what you have noting that the flavor will be, well, more charcoaly and smoky.
    • That being said, if you cant grill your pork chops outdoors, you can also use an indoor cast iron grill pan.
    • You can even bake the pork chops in a 350F oven for about 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

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