This Pork Chop Marinade packs a flavor punch! Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and honey, it tenderizes the meat and gives it a nice shine.
I love letting my pork chops soak in this marinade for a few hours—it really makes a difference! Plus, your house will smell divine when you grill them. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for grilling because the bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too, just adjust cooking time since they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This helps in marinating and imparts flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a good substitute, as it also has a high smoke point for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work—it’s less potent, so use about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh rosemary and thyme provides bright flavors. If fresh isn’t available, dried works too! Just remember that dried herbs are stronger, so use half the amount.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick to the marinade. If you want a milder flavor, yellow mustard is fine, but you could also try honey mustard for a touch of sweetness.
How Do I Marinate the Pork Chops for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is crucial for infusing flavor into the pork chops. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a bowl. Make sure every ingredient is combined.
- Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or dish, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re coated on all sides.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate. Ideally, let them marinate overnight, but even an hour will help.
- Before grilling, let the excess marinade drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
Quick tip: For added flavor, sometimes I like to poke a few holes in the chops before marinading, allowing the marinade to seep in more! Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Make Grilled Pork Chop with Garlic Herb Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Optional: Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active prep time plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or longer for better flavor!). After marinating, grilling will take about 15-20 minutes. So, total time can range from around 1 hour and 15 minutes to a couple of hours if you let them marinate overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed, and the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed. This will give the pork chops a delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better!
3. Prep the Grill:
About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, take the pork chops out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off before grilling.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Then, flip them and cook for another 5-7 minutes. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and to have nice grill marks. This will make them juicy and delicious!
5. Let Them Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the pork chops from the grill. Let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the chops with a side salad, and if you’d like, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a lovely presentation!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops, but be aware that they may cook slightly faster. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 4-6 minute mark per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor, marinating overnight is ideal, but you can marinate them for as little as 1 hour. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain their juiciness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic herb marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just mix the ingredients and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to grill, just pour it over the pork chops!
