Marinate Pork Chops In 3 Simple Ingredients To Get 10x The Flavor

Whether pan-seared in butter until beautifully golden-brown, grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, or oven-roasted until fall-off-the-bone tender, pork chops are one of the most popular cuts of pork you can find. But if you want to get the most out of them flavor-wise, you have to start with a good marinade. Now, some may say that the absolute best pork chops start with a bourbon marinade. However, there's a simple three-ingredient marinade that can make them taste at least 10 times better. It includes brown sugar, mustard, and balsamic vinegar.

The reason why this mix works so well is that each of the ingredients brings something to the table. The balsamic vinegar will tenderize the chops, improve their texture, and add a layer of sweet, acidic richness. As a matter of fact, it's the secret weapon for infusing meat with tons of flavor. At the same time, the mustard will give the chops a punchy, tangy kick. Meanwhile, brown sugar will further tenderize the chops by breaking down their proteins. It will also encourage the browning and caramelization processes on the pork chops through the Maillard reaction. On top of that, its sweetness will balance the sharpness of the mustard as well as the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. And to make things even better, a marinade using these three ingredients is incredibly easy to make. 

First things first, for the best pork chops, you have to nail each ingredient's ratio. To make this one, you'll need about a cup of balsamic vinegar, ⅛ cup of mustard (preferably Dijon due to its sharper, more complex kick), and roughly about 1½ teaspoons of sugar. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and whisk the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. 

While most marinades usually follow a simple 3-to-1 oil-to-acid proportion, it's not necessary to add oil here. That said, you can always add a couple of tablespoons of olive, avocado, or sesame oil to give the marinade your very own twist and help carry flavors deep into the meat. Additionally, you can also throw in your favorite seasonings and herbs for an extra flavor boost, whether freshly grated ginger, black pepper, dried parsley, or even some Asian garlic chili paste.

When all the ingredients are well combined, place the pork chops in a resealable food-safe bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Coat the chops evenly on all sides, and then place them straight into the fridge. Avoid leaving the chops at room temperature, as this exposes them to the danger zone where bacteria can multiply rapidly. On how long to marinate the pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, aim for three hours at the very least. Though, don't hesitate to refrigerate them overnight so they can absorb more flavor. Once the time is up, cook the chops however you prefer. And whatever you do, don't reuse the leftover marinade, as it can contain dangerous bacteria.