Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Aug. 22, 2023
This pork chop marinade is so simple that I use it on all kinds of meat. For a more robust flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops (1 inch thick and 8 ounces each)

Directions

  1. In a bowl or shallow dish, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and pepper. Add pork chops and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain pork chops, discarding marinade. Grill chops on greased grill rack, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-5 in. from the heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°). Let meat stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops Tips

What is the best way to tenderize pork chops?

A quick pork chop marinade with an acidic component is the perfect way to tenderize your chops. In this marinade, the soy sauce provides the acid.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out on the grill?

Because pork chops are so quick-cooking, they can dry out super quickly. To prevent dried-out pork chops, use an instant-read thermometer while grilling and keep an eye on it. When the internal temp is 145, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Check out more expert tips for grilling pork chops while you’re at it!

Can you marinate pork too long?

Pork can get mushy if it spends too much time marinating in an acidic bath. If it contains an acid like soy sauce or lemon juice, let it marinate for no longer than eight hours to prevent pork chops from breaking down too much. Got other things going on the grill? Check out our guide to marinating pretty much anything!

Research contributed by Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 362 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.