• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

  • My RecipeTin
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot
    • Stews
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Vegetables
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cake recipes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
  • ✨Special✨
  • Collections
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • eBooks
      • The Food Photography Book
      • Chicken Wings Cookbook
    • Food Bloggers Central
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Pork Recipes

A Great Pork Chop Marinade

By:Nagi
Published:10 Feb '19Updated:28 Apr '21
440 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

A great pork chop marinade that will make your pork extra juicy with a terrific savoury flavour and a gorgeous caramelised crust without overpowering the natural flavour of pork. Even 1 hour of marinating makes a remarkable difference!

Overhead photo of Grilled chops on a plate with potato rosti and salad, made using amade using a great Pork Chop Marinade

Just a great pork chop marinade

You know when something hits the pan and it smells so great than even if it’s the first time you’ve made that recipe, you know it’s going to be a winner? This is one of those. 🙂

Plus, the added bonus is that there is a very good chance that all the ingredients are already in your pantry. Checklist:

  • soy sauce

  • brown sugar

  • mustard

  • garlic

  • pepper

  • Worcestershire Sauce (I never spell that right first go! Thank you auto correct).

A great Pork Chop Marinade

Soy sauce is the secret ingredient

“Soy sauce?”, I hear some of you think, dubiously.

YES. Soy sauce. NO it doesn’t make this the least bit Asiany (no matter how I spell it, auto correct does not like that word!). It’s a brine that injects the pork with juiciness and it’s better than the basic salt + water brine because it’s got more flavour to it.

If you’ve never tried a soy sauce based brine for a protein before, I think you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised. Watch the video below the recipe – the end when I press down on the pork chop to show how juicy it is. That’s courtesy of the soy sauce!

Grilled chops on a plate, made using a great Pork Chop Marinade

I’m sharing this Pork Chop Marinade because I got all excited that I finally got a new BBQ. Living by the ocean means that anything that resides outdoors has a limited life and my current BBQ looks like an abandoned burnt out car.

While it’s terrific seared on the grill, it is of course great pan fried as well which is how I usually make it.

If you’re BBQ-ing, try it this Lemon Potato Salad and a garden salad with French Dressing, and have a browse for more Grilling Ideas.

If it’s winter where you are, try this One Pan BAKED Vegetables and Rice – you’ll love the seasoned rice! – Nagi xx


More great pork chop marinades & rubs

  • Country Style Baked Pork Chops

  • Lemon Garlic Marinated Pork Chops

  • Or use the marinades from these recipes for pork: Lime Chicken, Greek Chicken Gyros, Chicken Shawarma

Try these on the side

  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes

  • Cauliflower Cheese

  • Mushroom Rice

  • Curried Basmati Rice

  • Everyday Cabbage Salad

  • Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad

Overhead photo of Grilled chops on a plate with potato rosti and salad, made using amade using a great Pork Chop Marinade

My favourite back-pocket marinades

These are the ones I use over and over again, made with pantry staples with lots of sub options!

  • Just a great Chicken Marinade

  • Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade

  • Asian Chicken Marinade

  • Beef Steak Marinade

  • Rosemary Garlic Marinated Lamb Chops


Watch how to make it

Recipe video for this great Pork Chop Marinade! Don’t miss the end when I show how juicy the chops are…

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Overhead photo of Grilled chops on a plate with potato rosti and salad, made using amade using a great Pork Chop Marinade

A Great Pork Chop Marinade

Author: Nagi
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
BBQ, Main
5 from 145 votes
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 1722
Recipe video above. This marinade will make any pork chops or steak extra juicy as well as infusing it with great savoury flavour and a touch of sweet. Soy sauce is the secret ingredient - it does not taste the least bit "Asiany" or soy saucey. MINIMUM MARINADE TIME: 1 hr+ for thin chops, 3 hrs+ for thick. 

Ingredients

  • 4 bone in pork chops, 2 cm / 4/5" thick about 280g/9 oz each (Note 1)
  • 1 tbsp oil

Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup (85 ml) soy sauce (light or all purpose, not dark)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Place Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag. Massage to combine.
  • Add chops. Massage to coat in the Marinade. Marinate for 1 – 24 hours. (Note 2)
  • Take the chops out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Brush BBQ grill or drizzle oil in pan, heat on medium high. Add pork and cook for 4 minutes or until the underside is caramelised and the pork releases from the grill, then turn the chops and cook for 3 minutes (Note 2 for thin chops).
  • Baste both sides with residual marinade in ziplock bag, then cook the basted side for 30 seconds before serving. The chops should have a great crust
  • Transfer chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes:

1. Chops: I used thick, bone in pork chops that were just under 2.5cm / 1" thick. On the bone, slightly trimmed but not much, I like keeping some fat on the edges to keep the pork really juicy! This recipe will work with any quick cook cut of pork - chops, steaks, even tenderloin.
2. Minimum marinade time:
* Thin chops: 1.25 cm/ 1/2" thick - 1 hr+
* Thick chops 2 cm / 4/5" thick - 3 hrs+
COOK TIME for just white (juicy, no pink, reduce by 1 min for hint of blush):
* Thin chops - 3 minutes first side, 2 minutes second side, then 30 seconds on each side for basting.
* Thick chops - 4 minutes first side, 3 minutes second side, then 45 seconds on each side.
If your chops are thicker than the Thick Chops, then I'd recommend starting on the stove and finishing in the oven at 180C/350F until the internal temperature is 145F / 63C.
3. Troubleshooting / tips: Once you put the chops on the BBQ, DON'T TOUCH IT! Once it is cooked, it will release naturally from the grills. If it sticks, it's not ready to turn. If your chops are cooking too quickly and start to burn because of the sugar in the marinade, turn the heat down. Remember, these chops are meant to have a gorgeous chargrilled crust!
4. CRISPY POTATO ROSTI recipe (pictured on the side of the chops) - by reader request, here's an abbreviated form of the recipe: 2 large brushed (Sebago) potatoes (US: use russet), peeled and grated using a box grater. Grab handfuls and squeeze out excess liquid or do this using a dish towel (clean!). Place in bowl, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tbsp butter + 1 1/2 tbsp oil (I use olive) in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add dollops of potato, spread into pancake shape about 12 cm / 4.5" wide, 0.75 cm / 1/4" thick. Press down to compact into rosti, cook for 3 minutes or until deep golden brown. Flip and repeat. Drain on paper towels, repeat with remaining potato, should make 8.
Originally posted August 2017, photos replaced in May 2018, some tidying up done in February 2019, no change to recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 216gCalories: 348cal (17%)Carbohydrates: 7g (2%)Protein: 35g (70%)Fat: 18g (28%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Cholesterol: 117mg (39%)Sodium: 139mg (6%)Potassium: 607mg (17%)Sugar: 6g (7%)Vitamin C: 0.8mg (1%)Calcium: 43mg (4%)Iron: 1.2mg (7%)
Keywords: pork chop marinade
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

Life of Dozer

This is what a doggie smile looks like!

This is what a doggy smile looks like - Dozer the golden retriever running on the beach at Bayview

SaveSave

Previous Post
Peanut Butter Caramel Pie
Next Post
Curried Rice

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Related Posts

Maple Ham Glaze - glazed ham om a platter, ready to be carved. The most incredible baked ham ever!

Maple Glazed Ham

Brushing honey onto Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Fork picking up slice of pork chop flavoured with pork rub

Just a great Pork Rub

More Pork Recipes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




440 Comments

  1. Susan R Eckert says

    August 6, 2021 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    We loved this recipe and my husband is a VERY picky eater.

    Reply
  2. Terry says

    August 5, 2021 at 10:33 pm

    I’m constantly amazed at how great your recipes are. I love the simplicity and just-plain-goodness of them all.

    My query is whether I could use this recipe for marinade and then go further and pound/bread them afterwards for schnitzel?

    PS: I use your recipes a lot and then apply them to other meats/veg. Seems the majority are easily substituted with equally wonderful results. That’s brilliant.

    You faithful fan in Dudley Park, WA.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      August 6, 2021 at 9:50 am

      I’m sure you could Terry – I’d love to know how it goes! N x

      Reply
  3. Kristina Harlow says

    August 1, 2021 at 5:33 am

    5 stars
    My 5 young boys LOVE these pork chops. My oldest (11) says they taste like steak. It’s apart of our regular rotation. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful recipes!

    Reply
  4. Eric says

    July 14, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Delicious marinade! Added some black garlic molasses to the marinade. Seared the chops, followed by about 30 minutes in a 300F oven. Glorious!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 14, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      Sounds delicious Eric!! N x

      Reply
  5. Michael says

    July 13, 2021 at 5:15 am

    Unfortunately, some people have bad reactions to even a little bit of soy sauce and I have to cook for one of them. Substitution?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 13, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      Hi Michael, what’s the reaction from? The gluten, soy bean or other? – N x

      Reply
    • Craig Jones says

      July 16, 2021 at 4:57 am

      Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

      Reply
  6. Rob Goodwin says

    July 2, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    I have had great success with thick cut pork chops marinated in salted water with spices, garlic, etc. Then rinsed and cooked in a sous vide with butter, honey and garlic. Then finished on a hot searing pan.

    Could this marinade and chop go directly in the sous vide after the marinating time? Seems like it would work well.

    Reply
    • Eric says

      July 14, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      Absolutely no reason why you couldn’t do this – it’s a process I use all the time. The only issue I would anticipate is that the marinade flavor tends to get muted using sous vide.

      Reply
  7. Michael says

    June 29, 2021 at 10:49 pm

    Great recipe, thanks a ton! I added a little liquid smoke because I’m using a gas grill, kept everything else the same. Great flavor and nice and juicy!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 30, 2021 at 6:59 pm

      YUM! Great idea Michael! N x

      Reply
  8. April says

    June 24, 2021 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    Yum, yum, yum!! I made this tonight on my grill and they were SO good! Easy marinade and delish! My pork chops were cooked just right and were super juicy! Nagi, you “cook with me” 3 to 4 nights a week and I am so grateful for your recipes. Flavorful and easy enough for a girl who just loves to cook good food!

    Reply
  9. Deanne Foley says

    June 22, 2021 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night. Used ingrediants as suggested. It was awsome, juicy, I didnt need any other spices after because it was perfect. It was easy with just the items I had in pantry. Thank you. I have uninstalled all other recipe websites except yours.

    Reply
  10. John Z says

    June 21, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    What’s wrong if it tastes Asiany? There is nothing wrong with that. Give that Soy Sauce is the main ingredient, you would expect it to have an Asian flavor to it.

    Reply
    • Linh says

      July 21, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      I wholeheartedly agree! Thank you!

      Reply
    • Val Shaw says

      November 15, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      I love Asian food so that would be yummy

      Reply
  11. SarahSometimesCooks says

    June 21, 2021 at 3:35 am

    5 stars
    FANTASTIC marinade recipe! Great flavors. We used it on thick pork chops, which my hubby grilled to perfection. This is going in the “keep forever” recipe category, and it won’t be a recipe I’d fiddle around with changing! Sooooo good!!

    Reply
  12. Michelle says

    June 18, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    I haven’t cooked this yet (tommorrow!) but I’m interested in your new BBQ Nagi. Is it an electric one?

    Reply
  13. James Herritt says

    June 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    That maybe the best marinade I’ve ever had on a pork chop

    Reply
  14. Ann says

    June 10, 2021 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    BEST PORK CHOP MARINADE I’VE EVER HAD! Will definitely make again! I don’t have Dijon mustard right now, so I did make my trusty substitute.

    Reply
  15. Seamus McFadden says

    June 5, 2021 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    Fantastic! I have a great pic I could send you. I’m not on social media though :-(. I could email it to you? Cheers!

    Reply
    • Claudia Janecek says

      June 16, 2021 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Marinade was excellent. Always looking for something different. Marinade over night and used the juice to baste while grilling. Picky daughter in law liked it also. Than you.

      Reply
  16. Pamela Adam says

    June 3, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    was amazing and everyone was happy at the soft tender pork chops, only did 2 hour marinade but it was plenty enough. No changes to the recipe is was good as it is written

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    May 30, 2021 at 3:51 am

    5 stars
    Delicious. Didn’t manage even one hour of marinating – last minute dot com – but they tasted great regardless!

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    May 18, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    Hi Nagi & Dozer,
    I LOVE the way you instruct for a recipe, simple, clear directions. I’ve even shown my husband. He didn’t take the hint. LOL.
    Question; I’m looking for your tip on tenderizing pork, so it not dry. Salt and water, but how much for how long. Thanks.

    Reply
  19. CT Mom says

    May 12, 2021 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    Very easy, delicious marinade, with accessible items you likely have in the pantry/fridge. We used 8 boneless pork chops in the (doubled) marinade for an hour. More time would impart even more flavor, but not lacking even with just an hour. The barbequed chops came out flavorful and juicy. We absolutely will make this again – thumbs up by adults and a teen.

    Reply
  20. Jessica B says

    May 7, 2021 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    In the words of my high schooler, these pork chops were bussin bussin!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      June 24, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Ahhhh…”bussin bussin”…it IS the highest of accolades one could receive from their high schooler.

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

What's for Dinner?

Close up of beef enchiladas in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Beef Enchiladas

Butter Chicken served over basmati rice in a bowl, ready to be served

Butter Chicken

Overhead photo of 2 black bowls with Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, ready to be eaten

Chinese Chicken Salad

Salisbury Steak recipe in skillet.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

Fast prep. Big flavours!

Never miss a recipe

Back to Top
  • Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
  • Food Bloggers Center
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Image Use
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Maintained by Zao Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled © RecipeTin Eats 2022 · All Rights Reserved Back to Top