This simple pork chop marinade uses pantry staples plus one secret ingredient to make pork chops extra juicy and flavorful—perfect for grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors.
This quick and easy pork chop marinade will become a go-to for grilling. Made with ingredients you likely already have, it tenderizes and flavors pork chops so they come off the grill juicy and delicious. Once you try it, you may never cook plain pork chops again.
For best results, mix the marinade the night before or the morning you plan to cook so the pork has time to absorb the flavors. Marinating ahead also speeds up dinner prep—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re heading out camping and want a simple, tasty meal. This marinade works year-round and is equally good on a grill or in a pan.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It only takes 5 minutes to whisk together the marinade using common pantry ingredients.
- Tenderizes pork so you get a juicy chop every time.
- Infuses the meat with big flavor—no more bland pork chops.
Ingredients For Pork Chop Marinade
- Brown sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the surface when cooked. Honey can be substituted if preferred.
- Extra virgin olive oil – keeps pork from sticking and helps carry flavor into the meat.
- Soy sauce – the secret ingredient. It acts like a flavorful brine, adding salt and depth so the pork stays juicy. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option.
- Worcestershire sauce – adds savory depth.
- Seasonings – adjust salt and ground black pepper to taste; you can omit additional salt if using regular soy sauce.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Bone-in pork chops – any thickness works; boneless chops or pork loin can be used with adjusted cooking times.
How to Marinate Pork Chops
Whisk all marinade ingredients (except the pork chops) together in a small bowl.
Place pork chops in a resealable bag or a nonreactive bowl, pour the marinade over them, remove excess air if using a bag, and seal. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor. I often prepare this in the morning so dinner is ready quickly when I get home.
How to Grill Marinated Pork Chops
Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium heat. Place the pork chops on the grill and discard any leftover marinade that contacted raw meat.
Grill 4–5 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Remove the chops and let them rest at least 3 minutes so the juices redistribute.
Can I Bake Marinated Pork Chops in The Oven?
Yes. If grilling isn’t an option, bake the marinated pork chops on an oiled or parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then let rest for three minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Reserve a small amount of the marinade before adding it to raw meat and brush it on the cooked chops for extra flavor.
- Discard any marinade that touched raw pork.
- Freeze uncooked pork in the marinade for easy meal prep—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F and rest about 3 minutes. A quick-read thermometer ensures accuracy.
Bite into a tender, juicy pork chop packed with flavor—this easy marinade delivers a dependable, delicious weeknight dinner. If you enjoy this, try other marinades and recipes to vary your grilling routine.
Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
Equipment
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Grill or grill pan
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Tongs
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Small whisk and bowl
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Ziplock bags or a large nonreactive bowl
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Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce (reduced salt)
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 bone-in pork chops
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, ground black pepper and minced garlic.
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Add pork chops to a resealable bag or large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Remove excess air from the bag and seal.
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Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Place pork chops on the grill and discard any remaining marinade that came in contact with raw meat.
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Grill 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from heat.
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Let pork chops rest 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition info is an estimate. Consult a nutritionist or use your preferred calculator for exact values.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store cooled, cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer: Freeze leftovers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To keep reheated pork chops moist, warm them gently: place in a shallow dish with about 1 tablespoon of water per chop, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
How To Serve Pork Chops
Pork chops pair beautifully with grilled potatoes, asparagus, or a fresh corn salad. Add bacon-wrapped asparagus or a simple side of roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Fresh herbs and bright sides balance the savory, slightly sweet marinade.
More Great Pork Chop Ideas
- This marinade also works well on boneless pork chops and pork loin—adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If you have a smoker, try smoked pork chops with a dry rub for a different flavor profile.
- For a sweeter variation, grill pineapple alongside the chops for grilled pineapple pork chops.
- Sheet pan pork chops with vegetables are a convenient, fast option for weeknight dinners.