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Jerk Marinade For Pork Chops

Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh

Juicy and flavorful pork chops is one of my favorite family meals – no matter how I cook them. Perfectly tender every time, this Jerk Marinade for pork chops is an easy homemade marinade that adds tons of zesty flavor. The end result is outrageously delicious and it’s an easy marinade that will save you money every time!

The easiest Jerk Marinade recipe for pork! Only six ingredients - cook any way you want.

Easy marinade recipes are a staple in our home. It’s cheaper to make your own homemade marinade than to buy store-bought and they’re so easy to throw together. Literally, you’re just dumping the ingredients into a freezer bag, adding the chicken, and letting it marinate!

I fell in love with making my own marinades because the flavor ended up being so much better than what you can buy from any bottle. My Mexican Chicken Marinade is still one of my family’s all time favorites, but this Jerk Marinade comes awfully close! They’re both delicious.

Transform pork chops (or any other cut of poultry) from plain to Jamaican-style flavor. On the first night we enjoy the chicken as it comes, with side dishes. The next night, we mix it up by slicing the chicken for quesadillas, tacos or to add in any casserole dish. The possibilities are endless with this Jerk Marinade for pork!

Grilling tonight? Check out some of these other great grilling ideas that you’re going to love:

How To Make Jerk Marinade For Pork Chops (Or Any Cut Of Pork)

I keep pork chops on hand in my kitchen because they’re so versatile and I oftentimes find them on sale from my grocer. They’re so easy to defrost overnight too. I just throw the pork into the marinade and then dinner is just minutes away. If you live in an area where it’s hot, grilling dinner is an essential skill.

Jerk Marinade Recipe for Pork
This Jamaican Jerk Marinade is only 6 ingredients and perfect for pork chops!

I’ll share several ways you can use this Jamaican Jerk Marinade. I prefer my pork chops from the grill (love those grill marks), but I also sear them on a hot pan or throw them into the oven for baking. It just depends on what mood I’m on or how much time I have.

I use center cut pork chops, but feel free to use your favorite cuts. Boneless skinless chicken breasts and tenderloins are also great with this jerk marinade! It really works with any type of poultry.

I’ve also had reader say they’ve thrown this marinade on beef too, because they love the flavor so much. Don’t be afraid to play with your marinade options!

What To Serve With Jerk Pork Chops

I love throwing some vegetables on the grill to cook alongside the pork chops. A heartier side dish is homemade coconut rice and fried plantains are a nice sweet touch! I love to stick with a Jamaican flare with my side dishes, but a simple side salad and rolls would do too. Keep it simple and easy.

How To Make Your Jerk Marinade For Pork Ahead of Time

The beauty of making a marinade is making it ahead of time. The pork needs to marinade for ideally 4-5 hours before cooking – for best flavor. However, you can prep the marinade long before that. The pork chips can marinate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

I like to make my marinade at night, throw the pork into the freezer bag with the marinade, and keep it in the refrigerator. You’ll get a super juicy and flavorful pork chop as it sits longer in the marinade.

Jamaican Jerk Marinade Ingredients

What I love about making homemade marinades is that you know exactly what goes into it. There’s no artificial flavor enhancers or MSG. This marinade is simple ingredients that will give you a juicy and moist meat every time. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pineapple Juice: The natural enzymes in the pineapple juice help to tenderize the meat as it sits in the marinade.
  • Olive Oil: The base of many marinades and an essential ingredient.
  • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: I have used store-bought seasoning to save time, but homemade jerk seasoning works well too (especially if you want to save more money).
  • Minced Garlic: Adds depth of flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the flavors and tenderizes.
  • Dash of Crushed Red Pepper: Add some heat depending on how spicy you like it.
Jerk Marinade Ingredients

How To Store Leftover Marinaded Pork & Reheat

After the pork has cooked and cooled, add the leftovers to an airtight food storage container. Keep the pork refrigerated. For best freshness, enjoy the meat within 4-5 days of cooking. After that, either freeze the leftovers or discard.

The pork can be frozen, after cooking, for up to 3 months. Keep the pork in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is more stable. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat leftovers in 1 minute increments in the microwave.

Different Ways To Cook Pork With Jamaican Jerk Marinade

My preferred method is to grill the pork chops. I love that my kitchen doesn’t heat up and the grill marks look beautiful with the marinade. However, you can bake the pork too. Here’s the instructions for either way:

  • Grilling With Jerk Marinade: On medium high heat (350ºF), grill the pork 9-10 minutes flipping during the half way point. Grill until the internal temperature of your pork reaches 165ºF. Feel free to pour extra marinade over the time (from the freezer bag) while cooking.
  • Baking With Jerk Marinade: Cover a baking pan with aluminum foil. Add a baking rack on the top of the aluminum-covered pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the pork chops on top. Bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Searing pork chops on hot pan

Step-By-Step Directions To Making The Jerk Marinade

Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk well!

Jerk Marinade in a medium mixing bowl

Add the center cut pork chops to a freezer bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and turn to coat. Marinate for 4-6 hours, turning the bag occasionally, keeping in the refrigerator.

Center cut pork chops in freezer bag with marinade.

Drain and discard marinade. Cook as desired.

Jamaican Jerk Marinade for Pork Chops
Yield: 8-9 Pork Chops

Jerk Marinade For Pork

Center cut pork chops in freezer bag with marinade.

Full of zesty flavor and a little heat, this Jamaican Jerk Marinade is perfect for Pork! Use your favorite center cut pork chops and preferred cooking method.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Additional Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup Pineapple Juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • Dash of Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

Instructions

    1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk well!

    2. Add the center cut pork chops to a freezer bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and turn to coat. Marinate for 4-6 hours, turning the bag occasionally, keeping in the refrigerator.

    3. Drain and discard marinade. Cook as desired.

    4. For Grilling: On medium high heat (350ºF), grill the pork 9-10 minutes flipping during the half way point. Grill until the internal temperature of your pork reaches 165ºF. Feel free to pour extra marinade over the time (from the freezer bag) while cooking.

    5. For Baking: Cover a baking pan with aluminum foil. Add a baking rack on the top of the aluminum-covered pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange your pork chop pieces on top. Bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

Notes

  • Use gallon size freezer bags to marinate the pork.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers. For best freshness, enjoy the pork within 4-5 days of cooking.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 38Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g

**Nutrition facts are calculated by a third party. Actual values may vary.

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