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The Ultimate Juicy Garlic Soy Marinated Pork Chops

Say goodbye to dry pork chops! This easy garlic soy and lemon marinade guarantees juicy, tender, and perfectly caramelized pork chops every single time. It's the ultimate foolproof weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 thick-cut Pork Chops bone-in or boneless
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Black Pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Bag and Marinate: Place your pork chops inside a large zip-top plastic bag. Carefully pour the marinade over the meat. Zip the bag almost all the way closed, gently squeeze out any trapped air so the liquid completely coats the chops, and seal it tight.
  3. Let it Rest: Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chops marinate overnight (or for at least 4 hours). Flip the bag a few times whenever you open the fridge to ensure all sides of the meat get equal love from the marinade.
  4. Sear or Broil to Perfection: Remove the chops from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking. To pan-sear, heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • How to Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked but still juicy is to use a digital meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
  • Bone-In vs. Boneless: You can use either for this recipe! Bone-in pork chops tend to stay a bit juicier and have more flavor, but boneless chops cook slightly faster. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so they don't overcook.
  • Can I use this for Chicken? Absolutely! This exact soy-lemon marinade works beautifully on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even steak. If using chicken breasts, marinate for at least 2–4 hours.
  • Prep-Ahead Friendly: You can actually freeze the pork chops directly in the marinade! Place the chops and marinade in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe 100% gluten-free, simply swap the traditional soy sauce for Tamari or coconut aminos.