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Just 7 simple ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need to make my incredibly flavorful Pork Chops Marinade! This fresh, herby marinade for pork chops adds so much flavor and tenderness to the meat. You'll want to use it for every recipe!
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Marinade for Pork Chops
Over the years cooking for my family, I have fumbled my fair share of pork chops. They've turned out slightly overcooked and dry, or just lacking flavor... most likely, you know exactly how it goes!
Either you got distracted while cooking, or forgot the proper temperature for pork chops, or were trying something new and it didn't work out- it happens. But it's thanks to these past failures that I can tell you the best way to ensure tender, amazing pork chops every time is to marinate them first.
I use this marinade for pork chops for just about every pork chop recipe I make, from grilled pork chops to pan-fried pork chops. It doesn't matter what cooking method you're using, it just works!
Give it a try! The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and it takes just a few minutes to whip up. It's so worth it!
Pork Chop Marinade Ingredients
- Garlic
- Salt
- Dijon mustard
- Soy sauce
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
This mixture of flavors brings out the best taste and tenderness in pork chops, and will give the meat a flavor that pairs well with just about every recipe. You'll be glad you marinated them first!
Note: this pork chop marinade works for other meats like chicken and lamb, too. In the image above, we're using it for lamb chops!
How to Marinate Pork Chops
- Mix minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl until fully combined.
- Place pork chops in a plastic zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chops and mix them around to fully coat with the marinade.
- Press the air out of the bag and lay it on a platter or baking sheet. Refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours or overnight.
How Long to Marinate Pork Chops
You can marinate pork chops for just 1 hour if you're in a rush, or up to 6-12 hours or overnight if you have more time. I recommend marinating them for a minimum of 6 hours if you can.
Quick Pork Chop Marinade Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. Fresh minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor. If you want to use dried rosemary, though, you can. Use ⅓ teaspoon dried rosemary if using dried.
- Marinate for longer if you have the time. It really will make a difference!
- Soy sauce is not gluten-free, so if you need to make this a gluten-free marinade, swap it out for tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce if you prefer or have it on hand.
- Stone-ground mustard can be used in place of dijon mustard, but do not use yellow mustard.
- Kosher salt is best for marinating meat. For best results, use it instead of fine table salt.
Marinated Pork Chop Recipes
Try one of my pork chop recipes using this marinade! I love using it for my Southern Smothered Pork Chops especially.
- Pan-Fried Pork Chops
- Pork Chops with Mushrooms
- Pork Chop Sandwich
- Apple Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
FAQ for Marinating Pork Chops
If you marinate meat for too long, including pork chops, it can become mushy and unappetizing. Marinate pork chops for up to 24 hours, but no longer than that, for best results.
You should never rinse raw meat, before or after marinating. Rinsing is dangerous as it causes bacteria to spread, and it's unnecessary and will dilute the flavor, too.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Try more of my best pork recipes, and leave a comment and rating below! We love to hear from you.
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Pork Chops Marinade
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 zip-lock plastic bag
- 1 deep plate, platter, or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ cup Olive oil
Instructions
- Mix minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl until fully combined. Adjust the olive oil as necessary to form a paste-like consistency.2-4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup Olive oil
- Place pork chops in a plastic zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chops and mix them around to fully coat with the marinade.
- Press the air out of the bag and lay it on a platter or baking sheet. Refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Up to 6-8 pork chops can be marinated using this pork chops marinade. If you're making less, you can use a little less olive oil.
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. Fresh minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor. If you want to use dried rosemary, though, you can. Use ⅓ teaspoon dried rosemary if using dried.
- Marinate for longer if you have the time. It really will make a difference!
- Soy sauce is not gluten-free, so if you need to make this a gluten-free marinade, swap it out for tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce if you prefer or have it on hand.
- Stone-ground mustard can be used in place of dijon mustard, but do not use yellow mustard.
- Kosher salt is best for marinating meat. For best results, use it instead of fine table salt.
Nutrition
» About Me
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Tina says
There are no cooking instructions included!
em says
Hi Tina! You would use this marinade for any pork chops recipe. The marinade itself requires no cooking. You can find all of our pork chop recipes here (link).