Pork Chop Marinade: How to Marinate Pork Chops

A pork chop is a cut of pork from the pig’s loin, which runs from the shoulder down to the animal’s hips. There are four general categories of pork chop found along this path: the shoulder, or “blade” chops, rib chops, loin chops, and tenderloin chops. You can find some pork chops, like rib chops, bone-in at the grocery store, but boneless pork chops are the most popular common variety for sale.

The best pork chops begin to develop flavors long before they see any heat—while marinating in the fridge. Use either bone-in or boneless pork chops, and consider these tips:

1. 1. Find the best ratio. The best pork chop marinades combine roughly three parts oil to one part acid, plus a variety of complementary seasonings, like raw garlic, salt, sugar, chili sauces, or spices. Popular pork chop marinade ingredients include brown sugar, mustard, and balsamic vinegar. For inspiration, work within themes: think bright and herbaceous, funky, and spicy, or dark, complex, and caramelized.
   
2. 2. Marinate in the refrigerator. To prevent unsafe bacterial growth, always marinate raw meat in the refrigerator, and discard any leftover marinade.
3. 3. Marinate for at least two hours. Unlike more delicate proteins like fish and shrimp, pork chops can handle a longer marinating time without adversely affecting their texture. Just thirty minutes will add flavor, but for best results, marinate pork chops for at least two hours or up to overnight.

Cooking time for pork chops varies depending on the thickness of the meat and the cooking method. No matter which technique you choose, cook pork chops to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To cook pork precisely, invest in a digital instant-read meat thermometer.

1. 1. In an air fryer: To cook marinated pork chops in an air fryer, allow excess marinade to drip off, then place the chops in a lightly greased fryer basket. Air-fry for twenty minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through.
2. 2. In a countertop cooker: To cook marinated pork chops in a pressure cooker, place the pork chops on trivets and use a combination of the sauté and manual high-pressure function to get a crispy exterior and tender texture. To combine the marinating and cooking steps, place the pork chops and a marinade of your choice in a slow cooker and cook for six to eight hours.
3. 3. In the oven: For an easy weeknight dinner, roast marinated pork chops in a 400-degree oven for twenty minutes. Before adding the pork chops to the marinade, reserve a little for brushing on the chops during cooking. (Keeping the marinades separate prevents cross-contamination.)
4. 4. On a grill: Grilling marinated pork chops may be one of the most popular ways to achieve crispy, charred edges and a tender, juicy texture. A bottle of teriyaki or BBQ sauce alone can serve as a compelling marinade: When exposed to the high heat of a grill, the sugars caramelize and create a flavorful crust on the outer edges of the meat. Grill pork chops in a grill pan, or place directly on the well-oiled grates of a gas or charcoal grill.
5. 5. On the stovetop: Sear pork chops in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to develop a golden-brown crust, three to five minutes per side.