Print

The Best Pork Chop Marinade: Citrus-Garlic Flavor That Works Every Time

Close-up of a perfectly grilled, juicy bone-in pork chop seasoned with herbs, showing char marks from the marinade for pork chops.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You need a foolproof, flavor-packed marinade for your pork chops. This citrus-garlic recipe is easy to make and guarantees juicy results whether you grill or bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This is your citrus garlic pork chop marinade.
  2. Place the pork chops in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are fully coated.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor. Do not marinate overnight for this recipe, as the citrus can start to break down the meat too much.
  4. When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. Discard the remaining marinade.
  5. Cook using your preferred method: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake on a sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a low-sodium option, reduce the added kosher salt to 1/2 teaspoon and use low-sodium soy sauce if you decide to try an Asian pork chop marinade variation later.
  • If you want a slightly sweeter flavor, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of the orange juice with honey to create a quick honey mustard pork chop flavor profile.
  • You can use this easy pork marinade for boneless chops, but reduce the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/marinade-for-pork-chops-citrus-garlic-flavor/