30-Minute Grilled Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Prep: 5 minCook: 15 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Grilled Honey Garlic Pork Chops with Sweet Soy Marinade

Juicy bone-in pork chops marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then grilled to perfection. The ketchup-based marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a glossy glaze with balanced sweetness and umami depth. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality flavor at home. The apple cider vinegar adds brightness while red pepper flakes provide optional heat. These chops are tender, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
    maple syrup1:1vegetarian

    slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    tamari1:1gluten-freegluten-freesoy-free

    same umami flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    lemon juice1:1citrus

    brighter acidity

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes(optional)
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick
    boneless pork chops1:1convenience

    shorter cooking time

  • fresh parsley, for garnishing(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk together ketchup, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl to create marinade

  2. 2

    Add pork chops to bowl and flip several times to coat evenly with marinade

  3. 3

    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour

  4. 4

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat

  5. 5

    Place pork chops on grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on first side

  6. 6

    Flip chops over and brush with reserved marinade from bowl

  7. 7

    Grill second side for 5 to 7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145F

  8. 8

    Transfer to serving platter and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use a gallon-sized zip-top bag for easier marinating - add pork chops first, then marinade ingredients, seal and squish to coat evenly.

Tip 2

Don't move chops around on the grill until it's time to flip to ensure proper searing and grill marks.

Tip 3

Use a digital thermometer to check doneness - pork is safe at 145F internal temperature.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked pork chops for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers

Make Ahead

Marinate pork chops up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor

Serve With

Let pork chops rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking - pork is done at 145F internal temperature

Watch

Don't move chops on grill until flipping time to prevent sticking and ensure proper searing

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

soy sauce
tamari1:1gluten-freegluten-freesoy-free

same umami flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

honey
maple syrup1:1vegetarian

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →
apple cider vinegar
lemon juice1:1citrus

brighter acidity

Full guide →
bone-in pork chops
boneless pork chops1:1convenience

shorter cooking time

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, boneless chops work well but will cook faster than bone-in. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side and check temperature frequently.

How long can I marinate the pork chops?

Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Longer marinating develops deeper flavor but don't exceed 24 hours.

Can I cook these indoors if I don't have a grill?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook times remain similar but watch for proper browning.