This Pork Chop Marinade is a game changer on the grill!
I absolutely love the transition from summer to fall, which is my favorite season. The crisp air, football season in full swing, and the chance to enjoy the last outdoor meals of the year. For me, that includes grilling with my boyfriend (though truth be told, he does most of the work). One of my recent favorite discoveries is a pork chop marinade that completely transforms grilled chops. I find myself pulling it out for everything from weeknight dinners to casual weekend cookouts.
What makes it stand out is the way the flavors come together. The soy sauce brings that deep, salty umami base, while the lemon juice and Dijon add this little zing that wakes up the flavor of the pork. There’s a touch of honey that rounds everything out, giving it just enough sweetness to balance the sharpness without being sugary.
I’ve done these marinated pork chops baked on a sheet pan with squash and onions and pan-seared with mashed sweet potatoes on the side. No matter how you cook the chops, the marinade gives them a depth of flavor that feels thoughtful without requiring much effort on your part.
Is This Pork Chop Marinade Healthy?
A marinade isn’t exactly a health food; it’s meant to enhance flavor. That said, while store-bought marinades may contain excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and preservatives, this marinade blends together simple ingredients like olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for a cleaner, more simplified approach.
One thing of note is that this marinade contains both soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which are high in sodium. Consider reducing the amount of both or opting for a low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos) if you are watching your salt intake.
My Trick To Marinating The Perfect Pork Chops
Be sure to give your pork chop marinade time to work its magic! This means evenly coating the pork chops and turning them during the marination process. Most importantly, let the pork chops soak in the marinade for as long as possible—at least an hour, but up to 24 for the best results. The longer the marinade has time to permeate the meat, the more vibrant the flavors will be.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes, you can. In fact, a day or two of sitting in the fridge will help the flavors meld even more. You can make a batch of marinade and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
This pork chop marinade is going to make your grilled chops irresistible, but you can also add some sides that will make your meal all the better. Try serving up your chops with a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Blanched Asparagus With Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette. Grilled Corn On The Cob is another great option, and pork chops always pair beautifully with Applesauce. Trust me, however you use this pork chop marinade, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pork chops bone-in or boneless
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, and black pepper.
- Place pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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