Are you tired of the same old boring pork chops? It’s time to elevate your culinary game and impress your taste buds with this flavorful pork chop marinade recipe! Making this simple Citrus Ale Pork Chop Marinade will help make your chops juicy, extra flavorful, and put a fun spin on this cut of meat.
This Citrus Ale Marinade recipe is designed to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and make it extra tender and juicy. With just a few simple ingredients and some marinating time, you can create a flavor-packed dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, dust off your grill or heat up your skillet, because it’s time to indulge in some seriously delicious pork chop goodness. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this mouthwatering marinade recipe!
Why marinate pork chops
Marinating pork chops is a great way to infuse them with flavor and moisture, making them more tender and delicious. By allowing the meat to soak in a mixture of seasonings, acids, and oils, you can enhance the natural flavors of the pork while also tenderizing it. Marinating pork chops helps to break down tough muscle fibers in the meat, which results in a more tender and juicy final product!
The acidity in marinades, such as lemon juice (or in this recipe-lime juice) or vinegar, helps to soften the meat by denaturing proteins. This process not only improves the texture of the pork but also allows for better absorption of flavors from herbs and spices added to the marinade. In addition to improving tenderness and flavor, marinating pork chops can also help prevent them from drying out during cooking. The oils in a marinade can create a barrier that locks in moisture as the pork cooks, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chops.
Ingredients needed for this Citrus Ale Marinade
- Dos Equis Amber Ale– or your favorite beer. See below for recommended beers for marinating.
- Jalapeños– I finely disced these you can skip if you want you, If you are worried about spice- you can’t really taste them after they are cooked.
- Garlic- fresh is the best! Jarred works as well or garlic powder, too.
- Lime– I zested half the lime, then squeezed the juice as well.
- Cumin– The cumin compliments the beer and lime flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper– This adds a little heat but not too crazy.
Watch the video below!
Best Beer for Marinade
When it comes to marinating meat, beer can add a delicious depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of your dish. I chose to use Dos Equis Amber Ale because we drink it and I knew it would pari nicely with the jalapeños, lime, and cumin in the marinade. But not all beers are created equal when it comes to using them as a marinade. Here are some of the best beers to use for marinating pork:
- Stout or Dark Lager– These types of beers have rich, malty flavors that pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of pork. The caramel notes in these beers can help caramelize the outside of the meat, creating a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Hoppy IPA– for a more bold and flavorful marinade. The bitterness from the hops can cut through the richness of pork, adding depth and complexity to your dish. Just be sure not to marinate your pork for too long in an IPA, as the hops can become overpowering if left too long.
- Pale Ale– can also work well as a marinade for pork. These styles of beer are often more citrusy and refreshing, which can add brightness to your dish without overwhelming it.
How to make this Citrus Ale Pork Chop Marinade
Step 1: Measure out the seasonings and diced up the garlic and jalapeños. Then add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Place the pork chops into a shallow pan or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over the pork chops. If you use dish, flip the pork chops after adding the liquid so everything is covered.
How long to marinate pork chops
Then refrigerate until ready to cook. I suggest at least one hour but 4-6 hours is great!
Grilling or Smoked Pork Chops is the way to go!
When ready to cook, fire up your smoker, grill, or Blackstone. I like to smoke our pork chops on the Traeger for a while then sear them off on the flat top. Do not over cook and use your thermometer for best results. You want the internal temperature to be at 145 degrees F.
Make sure to check out my Juicy Pork Chops on the Blackstone Recipe as well!
Like this Marinade Recipe? Make sure to check out my:
- Three Ingredient Steak Marinade
- How to Spatchcock & Smoke a Turkey
- Cleaning Your Grill (BBQ Prep & Cleaning Tips)
Make Sure to Pin It!
Citrus Ale Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Amber Ale
- 1 jalapeno finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 lime zested & juiced
- 4 bone in pork chops or other
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Place the pork chops into a shallow pan or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over the pork chops. If you use dish, flip the pork chops after adding the liquid so everything is covered.
- Then refrigerate until ready to cook. I suggest at least one hour but 4-6 hours is better.
- Grill, smoke, or sear the pork chops with your method of choice. I suggest smoking them and then searing them. Cook until 145 degrees F.
