I grew up eating pork chops weekly in my midwestern household. My mom would often marinate them in the morning and then grill or bake them for dinner when we got home from school!
This 5-ingredient pork chop marinade will infuse your pork chops with sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness.
This pork chop marinade is sweet from brown sugar, salty from soy sauce, and savory from Worcestershire sauce. It’s all pulled together with a little citrus and garlic to make this one delicious pork chop marinade.
I love how this pork chop marinade not only gives the chops flavor but also makes them easy to eat. This marinade is so good! I’ve used it on pork chops, pork tenderloin, and pork loin, among other cuts of pork.
Marinating is a simple yet effective way to infuse flavor and moisture into meats like pork chops When it comes to marinades, Worcestershire sauce is a versatile option that can lend a delicious savory-sweet flavor to pork But can you use Worcestershire sauce to marinate pork chops? Let’s find out.
Overview of Marinating Pork Chops
Marinating involves soaking meats in a seasoned liquid before cooking It tenderizes the meat while allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the cuts. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus break down tough muscle fibers Oils help keep the meat moisturized. Spices, herbs and sauces impart taste.
Marinating lean meats like pork chops is the best way to keep them from drying out and make them more juicy. Chops with or without bones do well in a short 30-minute marinade. Chops that are thicker can soak overnight. Just don’t over-marinate as it can lead to mushiness.
Using Worcestershire Sauce as a Marinade
Worcestershire sauce contains a perfect blend of ingredients to marinate meats. It provides:
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Acidity – Vinegar tenderizes meat and allows better absorption of flavors
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Umami – Molasses and anchovies bump up the savory meatiness.
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Spice – Onions, garlic, cloves and chili peppers add zing.
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Saltiness – Soy sauce boosts flavor.
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Sweetness – Tamarind brings acidity and sweet-tartness.
This complex profile integrates beautifully into pork chops. The acid marinates, while the umami intensifies the porkiness. The blend of spices jazzes things up.
Marinating Time
The ideal marinating time depends on the thickness of the pork chops:
- Boneless chops: 30 mins – 1 hour
- 1-inch thick bone-in chops: 2 to 4 hours
- 2-inch thick chops: Overnight
For safety, marinate in the refrigerator in a sealed bag or covered dish. Discard used marinade.
Marinating Process
Follow these steps for marinating pork chops in Worcestershire sauce:
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Combine Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
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Add pork chops and mix well until fully coated.
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Seal pork chops in a zip-top bag or dish. Remove air pockets.
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Refrigerate and marinate for the recommended time.
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Remove chops from marinade. Pat dry. Discard leftover marinade.
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Cook as desired – bake, pan fry, grill until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
And you’ll have delicious Worcestershire sauce marinated pork chops to enjoy!
Complementary Marinade Ingredients
While Worcestershire sauce can be used solo as a marinade, combining it with other ingredients allows you to create more complex flavors:
- Soy sauce – For added umami and saltiness
- Lemon or lime juice – Extra acidity for tenderness
- Brown sugar – To balance out acidity
- Honey – For subtle sweetness
- Whole grain mustard – Savory spice and tang
- Garlic – Savory aromatic
- Onion – Caramelized sweetness
- Chili powder – Smoky heat
- Paprika – Warm earthiness
- Pepper – A touch of heat
- Fresh herbs – Brightness from parsley, thyme etc
Experiment with combinations to find your perfect marinade!
Can You Marinate for Too Long?
It is possible to over-marinate pork chops if left soaking for too long. The acidic marinade will start to break down the meat excessively, resulting in an unappealing mushy texture. Sticking to the recommended marinating times is key.
If marinating longer, reduce the amount of acidic ingredients in the marinade so the meat doesn’t end up overtenderized. Also flip chops periodically so all sides marinate evenly.
Cooking Marinated Pork Chops
There are many great cooking options for marinated pork chops:
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Pan-fry over medium-high heat for a sear while basting chops in extra marinade.
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Grill over direct medium heat, basting with reserved marinade during the last few minutes.
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Broil under high heat 4-5 inches from element, basted with marinade.
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Bake in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes based on thickness.
Always cook to the safe internal temperature of 145°F. Allow chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Delicious ways to serve Worcestershire sauce marinated pork chops:
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With roasted potatoes or rice pilaf and sautéed veggies.
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In tacos, sandwiches, wraps or flatbreads with fixings.
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Diced up in pasta, risotto or soup dishes.
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On a fresh salad for added protein.
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Alongside a fruit sauce or chutney.
Take your marinated chops in any cuisine direction you crave!
What kind of pork chops are best for marinating?
There are so many different kinds of pork chops on the market –> thick, thin, bone-in, boneless.
This pork chop marinade works for any cut of pork.
Heavy-cut pork chops with bones were used in these pictures. We got them from a butcher at a nearby grocery store.
What is the best way to tenderize pork chops?
Some of the best ways to make pork chop more tender are to use a meat tenderizer to break up the tendons or a marinade to add moisture to the meat.
Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
FAQ
Can Worcestershire sauce be used as a marinade?
What should I soak my pork chops in?
Should you marinate pork chops?
What is the best thing to use to tenderize pork chops?
How do you marinate pork chops?
Add the soy sauce, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice into a bowl and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Place the pork chops into a large, gallon-size plastic bag and then pour the marinade into the bag. Remove the air from the plastic bag and carefully massage the marinade into the pork chops.
What is the healthier substitute of worcestershire sauce?
The healthier substitutes of Worcestershire sauce are: 1. Soy sauce: Soy sauce doesn’t have quite the same tartness or spice as the original. This substitute works for all recipes and has similar consistency and dissolves well. 2. Tamarind paste+ soy sauce+ white vinegar: This combination of ingredients are close to Worcestershire sauce. 3. Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a bit of a funky condiment that is made from fermented anchovies. 4. A1 steak sauce: It is a little thicker than Worcestershire sauce but will taste very similar. It is made with ingredients like tomato paste, raisin paste, vinegar, corn syrup, garlic, onions and other flavorings.
Does marinating pork chops taste good?
Marinating pork chops is Italian dressing alone tastes great too! It is important that marinade touch as many surfaces of the pork chops as possible. The meat can only absorb the flavor that it is exposed to, so if the chops are stacked right next to each other they will not be exposed to the delicious marinade.
What is the Best Pork Chop marinade for grilling?
Italian dressing and Worcestershire sauce make the best pork chop marinade for grilling because the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand. Our family also enjoys this marinade without soy sauce, so it’s not quite as salty as some other marinades. When we crave a citrus marinade with soy sauce Farmhouse Meat Marinade is a favorite!