Hey there, grill masters!
Are you ready to take your pork chops to the next level?
I’ve got a fantastic marinade recipe to share with you today.
This pork chop marinade is packed with flavor and super easy to whip up.
It’ll make your chops juicy and delicious every time.
So, grab your ingredients and let’s get marinating!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the pork chops, boneless pork loin or chicken breasts can be used as alternatives. These options maintain a similar texture and protein content while accommodating different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as boneless cuts may cook faster. Extra virgin olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor profile and higher smoke point. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. Light brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option. Use slightly less honey or maple syrup, as they are sweeter than brown sugar. Start with 1 1/2 tablespoons and adjust to taste. These substitutions maintain the marinade’s balance of flavors while offering flexibility for various dietary needs and preferences.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 35 minutes – 8 hours 45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
Ingredients
For the pork chops:
- 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops
For the marinade:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark works)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)
- 5 cloves crushed garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Gather all the necessary ingredients: 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 5 cloves crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, crushed garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag.
Pour the prepared marinade over the pork chops in the bag.
Seal the bag securely and gently squish it around to ensure that the pork chops are thoroughly coated in the marinade.
Refrigerate the bag for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Skillet
Before cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Once preheated, heat an oven-safe heavy skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot.
This step ensures a good sear on the pork chops.
Step 4: Sear and Cook the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet and sear them for 2 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful brown crust.
After searing, transfer the entire skillet with the pork chops into the preheated oven.
Alternatively, if your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the seared chops to a baking dish.
Bake the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which should take approximately 15 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the pork chops have finished baking, remove them from the oven.
Allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy and tender pork chops.
Just before serving, season the pork chops with additional salt and black pepper to taste, if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly cooked pork chops!
