Description

Craving a savory, tender pork chop dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests? The Hearty Pork Chops recipe is your answer! These bone-in pork loin chops are marinated in a sweet-savory blend of lemon-lime soda, soy sauce, and honey with aromatic herbs, then grilled or broiled to perfection

Ingredients

To make Hearty Pork Chops for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this savory dish:

Diet Lemon-Lime Soda (⅔ cup): Adds sweetness and tenderizes the pork.
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce (½ cup): Provides savory, umami depth.
Honey (¼ cup): Contributes a sticky, sweet glaze.
Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Adds earthy, herbaceous flavor.
Dried Rosemary (¾ tsp, crushed): Brings aromatic, pine-like notes.
Pepper (¼ tsp): Offers a mild kick.
Bone-In Pork Loin Chops (6, ¾ inch thick, 7 oz each): Juicy, flavorful protein that’s the star of the dish.

Substitutions and Variations:

Pork Chops: Swap with boneless pork chops, pork tenderloin slices, or chicken thighs (adjust cooking time).
Lemon-Lime Soda: Replace with regular lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or apple juice for similar sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar dissolved in a bit of water.
Herbs: Swap thyme or rosemary with oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning.
Add-Ons: Include minced garlic, ginger, or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade for extra flavor.
Vegetarian: Swap pork for tofu slabs or portobello mushrooms; marinate and grill as directed.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The pork chops provide hearty protein, while the soda and honey tenderize and caramelize, creating a juicy, flavorful result. The soy sauce and herbs add savory depth, making this a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large resealable plastic bag or bowl, combine ⅔ cup diet lemon-lime soda, ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 1 tsp dried thyme, ¾ tsp crushed dried rosemary, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix well until the honey is dissolved.

Tip: Whisk thoroughly to blend the honey and soda for a smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork Chops

Add 6 bone-in pork loin chops (¾ inch thick, 7 oz each) to the bag or bowl, turning to coat thoroughly.
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally if possible.

Tip: Marinate for at least 4 hours for good flavor; overnight yields the most tender, flavorful chops.

Step 3: Prep for Cooking

Preheat a grill to medium heat (350–400°F) or a broiler to high, positioning the oven rack 4 inches from the heat source.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
For grilling, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and, using long-handled tongs, rub it on the grill rack to coat lightly.

Tip: Pat chops lightly with paper towels to remove excess marinade for better browning.

Step 4: Grill or Broil the Pork Chops

Grill: Place chops on the oiled grill rack, cover, and grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until a thermometer reads 145°F (medium doneness).
Broil: Place chops on a greased broiler pan or baking sheet and broil 4 inches from heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until 145°F.
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.

Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking, and flip only once for even browning.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the pork chops to a platter or plates.
Serve hot, garnished with optional fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey if desired.

Tip: Resting the chops ensures juiciness; serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.