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Pork Chop Marinade

Stop making boring pork chops. You NEED this pork chop marinade, with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon, and citrus! It all comes together for the most juicy, tender, flavor-packed pork chop you’ve ever had!

4 pork chops marinating in a Ziploc bag.

The Secrets to Juicy, Flavor-Packed Pork Chops

  • The Secret Ingredient? Orange juice! It isn’t just for flavor; it’s acidity that tenderizes the meat, giving you melt in your mouth juicy pork chops.
  • No More Dry Pork Chops: This marinade locks in moisture so every chop turns out tender and flavorful, no matter how you cook it.
  • Versatile & Family-Friendly: Not just for pork! Use it on chicken or veggies for easy, delicious dinners everyone will love.

Pork Chop Marinade Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.
  • Soy sauce as brine: Soy sauce adds savory umami and helps brine the meat. Substitute with tamari (gluten free) or coconut aminos (soy free) if needed.
  • Citrus: Citrus juice not only brightens flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Orange juice is preferred, but pineapple or lemon juice works.
  • Pork chops: The marinade works for about 4 pork chops. Both bone-in and boneless cuts are great! You can choose your favorite.

How to Make Pork Chop Marinade

It’s so simple, all you need to do is mix a few pantry staples together! You’ll never buy store bought marinade again. Other must try marinades include my steak, chicken, and salmon marinades.

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. *Set aside a little marinade before adding raw pork. Then, brush it over the pork chops in the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor and juiciness.
  2. Marinate: Pour your marinade into a sealable plastic bag, then add the pork chops and allow them to marinate for at least an hour. *Marinating for a few hours or even overnight will make the pork chops extra tender and flavorful. Cook your pork chops with your preferred method. You can grill, air fry, or cook them on the stovetop. Discard any used marinade.
Marinade ingredients whisked together in a bowl.
Pork chops in marinade in a sealed gallon sized zip lock bag.

Alyssa’s Pro Tips

  • Cooking Options: This recipe works great on the grill, skillet, or in the air fryer. Each method gives a slightly different texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Pork is perfectly done at 145°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices can settle back into the meat.

Print

Pork Chop Marinade

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Bright, zesty, and full of flavor, this Pork Chop Marinade transforms pork chops into tender, juicy perfection, with a secret citrus twist!
Course pantry staple
Cuisine American
Keyword easy pork chop marinade, pork chop marinade, pork chop marinade recipe, pork marinade
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 pork chops
Calories 252kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 pork chops

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • Pour your marinade into a sealable plastic bag and place 4 pork chops into the bag with the marinade and allow them to marinate for at least an hour.
  • Cook your pork chops with your preferred method, you can grill, bake or cook them on the stovetop.
  • Discard any used marinade.

Video

Notes

Storing Unused Marinade

Unused pork chop marinade can be stored in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If the marinade has already been used on raw meat, discard it; don’t reuse it.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 918mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Closeup of grilled pork chops.

My Favorite Pork Chop Recipes

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