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

Close-up of a thick, bone-in pork chop cooked perfectly, glistening with a herb marinade for pork chops.

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You need a foolproof, flavor-packed marinade for your pork chops. This citrus-garlic recipe delivers bright flavor and keeps your chops juicy, whether you grill or bake them.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (use low-sodium if preferred)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, pepper, and salt. This is your easy pork marinade base.
  2. Place the pork chops in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure each chop is fully coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor. For an overnight pork marinade, ensure the chops are fully submerged.
  5. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  6. Cook the chops using your preferred method: Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or bake at 400 degrees F (200 C) for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
  7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a honey mustard pork chops variation, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the marinade mixture.
  • If you prefer an Asian pork chop marinade, substitute the citrus juices with 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce and 2 tablespoons fresh ginger instead of oregano.
  • This citrus garlic pork chop marinade works well for both thick and thin cuts.

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