Pork Chop Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil (Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.)
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed, from about 2 lemons for best flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced, approximately 3-4 cloves.)
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.)
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low sodium preferred to control salt.)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce (Adds umami and depth of flavor.)
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar (Packed, can use light or dark brown sugar.)
• 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning (Blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Adds tang and emulsifies marinade.)
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (Adjust to taste, less if using regular soy sauce.)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground.)
• 2-3 pounds Pork Chops (Bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick.)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or resealable gallon-sized bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until well combined and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved. If using a bag, seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously to combine thoroughly.
3. Add the pork chops to the bowl or bag, ensuring each chop is fully submerged and well-coated in the marinade. Gently massage the marinade into the meat to ensure even distribution.
4. Place the pork chops in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably for 6-8 hours for optimal flavor penetration. For a deeper flavor, marinate up to 12 hours. Turn the chops occasionally to ensure even marinating.
5. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Do not reuse marinade that has contacted raw meat to avoid contamination.
6. Preheat your grill, oven (for either broiling or baking), or skillet to medium heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
7. Cook the pork chops using your preferred method until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the chop. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Approximate cooking times vary by method:
8. **Grilling:** Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Ensure even cooking by turning the chops occasionally.
9. **Baking:** Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. Check with a thermometer to be sure they reach 145F.
10. **Broiling:** Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Adjust the distance from the broiler as needed.
11. **Skillet:** Sear for 4-6 minutes per side over medium heat, until nicely browned and cooked through. A cast iron skillet works well for even searing.
12. Remove the cooked pork chops from the heat and let them rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork.
13. Serve the marinated pork chops with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, couscous, or cilantro lime rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.