When it comes to effortless dinners with maximum impact, these grilled pork chops are a standout. This grilled pork chops recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet with a robust marinade featuring spicy brown mustard, maple syrup, and light brown sugar. It’s a harmony of bold flavors that beautifully enhance the natural richness of the pork.

Perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend grilling sessions, these chops require minimal prep but deliver a dish that tastes like it took hours to craft. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking a cozy meal for the family, these juicy, flavor-packed pork chops will earn their place at the table.

Ingredients You Will Need

A handful of carefully chosen ingredients makes this grilled pork chops recipe special. Each one plays a unique role in building layers of flavor:

Spicy Brown Mustard: This adds depth and tang to the marinade while providing a subtle heat. If unavailable, stone-ground mustard works as a great alternative.
Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the mustard, balancing the bold, savory elements.
Yellow Mustard: A touch of classic yellow mustard brightens the marinade, giving it a familiar zing.
Light Brown Sugar: The caramel-like notes of brown sugar help to glaze the chops as they grill, adding a hint of sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This acidic component tenderizes the pork while enhancing the overall tanginess.
Minced Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a savory base that complements the meat beautifully.
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: A salty, umami kick brings everything together. Regular soy sauce works too if gluten isn’t a concern.
Black Pepper and Kosher Salt: Simple seasoning to finish the pork chops.

If you prefer, the marinade can also be adapted with honey instead of maple syrup or smoked paprika for added complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To achieve perfectly grilled pork chops, follow these clear, easy-to-execute steps.

Marinate the Pork Chops:
In a medium bowl, combine spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced onion, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fragrant. Pour half of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag and reserve the rest for serving later. Place the pork chops in the bag, seal tightly, and massage the marinade into the meat. Allow the pork to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the deepest flavor infusion, let it sit overnight.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grates or pan with non-stick spray to avoid sticking.
Grill the Pork Chops:
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let excess drip off. Sprinkle them lightly with kosher salt. Sear each chop for 1 minute on each side with the grill lid closed. This develops a golden crust that locks in the juices. Lower the heat to medium and continue grilling for 3 minutes per side until perfectly cooked. For grill pans, cook over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side without the initial sear.
Rest the Meat:
Once done, transfer the chops to a clean plate and loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy results.
Serve:
Drizzle the reserved marinade over the pork chops or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to marinate for optimal flavor: Allow the pork to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. For best results, leave it overnight to let the flavors penetrate deeply.
Grilling vs. stovetop options: Use a preheated grill for authentic charred marks, or a grill pan on the stovetop for indoor convenience. Adjust heat to avoid overcooking.
Perfect doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. Resting ensures juicy results.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the marinade a day ahead or marinate the pork chops in the morning to save time.
Can I bake the pork chops instead of grilling them? Yes. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked? The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The pork should reach 145°F at the thickest part.
Can I use this marinade on other proteins like chicken or beef? Absolutely! This versatile marinade works wonderfully on chicken breasts, thighs, or even steak.

What to Serve With This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

These flavorful pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides. The balance of tangy and sweet flavors calls for dishes that complement without overpowering.

Vegetable Sides: Grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or maple-glazed carrots.
Starches: Creamy mashed potatoes, herbed rice pilaf, or skillet cornbread provide a satisfying base.
Fresh Options: A crisp arugula salad with vinaigrette or tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing bite.

For sauces, a simple apple chutney or smoky barbecue sauce pairs well, adding a unique dimension. As for beverages, a chilled glass of white wine like Riesling or a lightly hoppy craft beer complements the dish perfectly.

Variations and Add-Ons

If you’re looking to customize this recipe, here are a few creative options:

Adjusting the Marinade: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. Honey can replace maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Exploring Different Cuts: This marinade works equally well on bone-in pork chops, pork tenderloin, or thick-cut steaks. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Using Leftovers: Thinly slice leftover pork chops to make sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Toss the meat with a bit of reserved marinade for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These grilled pork chops are a perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet flavor, making them a go-to choice for any home cook. The tangy mustard marinade, complemented by sweet maple syrup, elevates this dish into something truly special. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and watch it become a household favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this grilled pork chops recipe ensures succulent, flavorful pork chops that are sure to impress. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed!

Grilled Pork Chops

These grilled pork chops feature a tangy mustard and maple marinade, delivering juicy, flavorful results. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend grilling sessions.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Servings:

Author: Jessica Harmon

Ingredients

8 boneless pork chops ¾ to 1 inch thick, trimmed
⅔ cup spicy brown mustard
⅓ cup maple syrup
¼ cup yellow mustard
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons minced onion
2 garlic cloves finely minced
4 teaspoons gluten-free soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced onion, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic.
Pour half of this vibrant mustard marinade into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Set the remaining half aside for later use. Place the pork chops into the bag, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Gently massage the chops to distribute the flavor evenly. Seal the bag securely, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grill grates or pan surface with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade in the bag. Season the chops lightly with kosher salt.
Place the pork chops on the hot grill, closing the lid. Sear each side for about 1 minute to develop a golden-brown crust. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes per side. For a grill pan, skip the initial sear and cook each chop for about 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat, flipping carefully to avoid tearing the surface.
Transfer the cooked pork chops to a clean plate, tenting them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the meat to rest for 5–10 minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Serve the grilled pork chops with the reserved mustard marinade drizzled over the top or as a dipping sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Perfect Grilled Pork Chops Recipe