How to Marinate Pork Chops

The best pork chop marinades use simple, healthy, and flavorful ingredients. This post shares how to make 4 delicious pork chop marinade recipes. BONUS: I share FAQS about marinating meat.

In our family, grilling season happens all year round. Yes, even winter! So when friends and family visit us in Dallas, chances are, you'll be treated to a tasty barbecue.

Y'all already know how much I'm about delicious dry rubs and healthy sauces, like my homemade enchilada sauce. But today, we're diving deep into marinades -- why they're awesome, how to use them, and how to make the best pork chop marinade possible.

I'll be sharing four of the absolute BEST pork chop marinade recipes. BTW: If this is your jam, be sure to check out the marinade recipes for marinated tri-tip, marinated chicken, and the best steak marinades!

But for now, let's dial down on how to make the juiciest and tastiest pork chop marinade recipe. 

Should I Marinate Pork Before Cooking? 

If you want extra juicy, flavorful chops with a beautifully caramelized crust...then yes, you should marinate pork before cooking it. This is true for both boneless pork chops and bone in pork chops.

Here are other reasons I always marinate: 

• Marinades can tenderize tough cuts of meat
• They boost the flavor of the pork without overpowering its natural flavor
• Marinades can add caramelization
• They can make the dish healthier (depending on what you use)
• Marinades can make meat easier to digest

How Long Should You Marinate Pork Chops? 

For ultra juiciness and best results, pork chops should be marinated for at least an hour. Even better for at least two hours! Check out my recipe below. You could even have them marinating for 6 to 8 hours or overnight — depending on the type of marinade. 

A longer soak helps the meat tenderize. Know, however, that marinades only reach the outer part of thick meat. It never really gets to the center of thick cuts. Still very tasty, though!

How Can I Tenderize Pork Chops Quickly? 

Did you know that marinades act as natural tenderizers when made with the right marinade ingredients, which include acidic ingredients (such as lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar). Check out this Healthy and Very Tender Tandoori Chicken, for example, because it's got plenty of zesty deliciousness! 

Acids help tenderize as they marinate the pork chop by breaking down the protein in the meat.

Here are some examples of ingredients that can act as tenderizers:

• Soy sauce: Acts as a tenderizing brine and adds significant flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: Another acidic ingredient that's also amazingly healthy (I love cooking with it). Check out all the benefits of ACV here.

Is It Safe To Marinate Pork Chops Overnight?

The amount of time it's safe to marinate pork chops depends on the thickness of your chops and the kind of marinade you're using. 

For Thick Cuts: You can marinate them for an hour to overnight. 

For Thin Cuts: From an hour up to 6 hours.

Just be careful when using salt, acids, or alcohol ingredients. Marinating food in these ingredients for too long can cause them to chemically cook, making the pork mushy rather than tender.

Ultimately, I recommend marinating meats with acid or alcohol for no longer than 6 hours (regardless of cut thickness). If your marinade doesn't contain these ingredients, an overnight soak should be okay. 

Do You Rinse Marinade Off Pork Chops?

If you're 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. It's best to pat your chops dry with a paper towel for extra measure. 

Now, if you're 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 you'll 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.

4 Best Pork Chop Marinades for Juicy Pork 

I’ve gathered 4 of my favorite pork chop marinades right here. They make for super simple, very easy, and extra juicy chops. And suit a wide variety of tastes. I hope you like them!

1. Soy Honey Mustard Marinade

Craving something sweet, something savory, and something golden? Go for this soy honey mustard marinade. Trust me, it's #1 for a reason. Scroll down to the bottom for the recipe.

2. Citrus Marinade

Another one of my fave marinades ever. This citrus combo lends itself well to extra tender pork. The garlic adds a nice bite and it's zesty. Perfect for pairing with a Strawberry Mint Lemonade or even a Virgin Sangria. Scroll down to the bottom for the recipe.

3. Asian Marinade

The soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey in this marinade beautifully come together and make for a flavor that's as complex as it is decadent. Add in the rice wine vinegar, garlic plus ginger, and voila! Scroll down to the bottom for the recipe.

4. Herb Marinade

I think fresh herbs pair so well with pork. Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary...YUM! This herbaceous marinade gives your chops so much lift and dimension. Scroll down to the bottom for the recipe.

How To Make These Marinades

Here's how you can make any one of these fabulous marinades:

1. Whisk all of the ingredients of your chosen marinade in a bowl. Put your pork chops in a glass dish, reusable Ziploc bag, or bowl to coat it in the marinade. 
2. Place your chops in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 to 24 hours. Turn them occasionally to get the flavors on each side. 
3. Remove the excess marinade before cooking, and season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Done!

Are These Pork Chop Marinades Healthy? 

Yes, these pork chop marinades are healthy! Here’s why:

• Making your own marinades allows you control over your calories the ingredients you choose. Store-bought marinades often contain lots of added sugar, sodium, and artificial ingredients.

• Marinades can help significantly decrease the number of carcinogenic compounds in meat (HCAs and PAHs) coming from high heat grilling and broiling. Essectially, they serve as a buffer for the food as it cooks.

• Using nutritious and clean ingredients such as rosemary, lemon, garlic, etc. on your marinades, can add a mix of healthy antioxidants, anti-carcinogenic properties, and vitamins to your meat! Yay!

More Tasty Protein Marinade Recipes 

Marinades can elevate any dish to a whole new level. Try these mouth-watering recipes for flavor-packed and juicy protein dishes: 

• The 7 Best Chicken Marinades For Juicy Chicken
• The 7 Best Steak Marinades For Perfectly Cooked Steak
• Tri-Tip Marinades
• Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade
• Cilantro Lime Chicken

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