For The Best Pork, Opt For A Sweet And Savory Marinade

Whether you're grilling, roasting, or sautéing, marinating the meat not only boosts its flavor but also helps to tenderizes it — taking a dish from good to unforgettable. From the sweet to the spicy, marinades reflect personal taste, although not all of them are ideal for certain cuts of meat. Christopher Arturo, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, told HuffPost that cuts that are more marbled require marinades containing more acid and salt since their higher fat content lessens the impact of these components. For leaner cuts, on the other hand, less acid and salt should be used.

By not tweaking the ratio of ingredients like oil, salt, and vinegar in marinades for the meat you want to cook, the flavor of the protein may not shine through. Another common mistake is marinating steak for too long, resulting in a mushy texture. Conversely, if you don't marinate meat long enough, it might not be properly imbued with flavor. Other possible missteps when creating a marinade is crafting one that lacks flavor, or even one that has too much flavor and overwhelms the taste of the protein.

When you're preparing pork for dinner, whether it's an air fryer pork chop or a roast pork tenderloin, choosing the right marinade so its natural flavor comes out is key.

Citrus is a pig's best friend. Chef Laurence Edelman told Greatist that citric acid breaks down the pork, helping to tenderize it. Think sliced oranges and orange juice with a pork roast or pineapple chunks with pulled pork. Pork holds its own with bold flavors, so feel free to increase the flavor components of a marinade. Citrus, in turn, blends well with other ingredients, such as soy sauce in a delicious orange and soy sauce marinade.

You could also create a marinade inspired by the flavors from south of the border, using components like fresh lime juice, tequila, orange juice, cilantro, and chili powder (via Allrecipes). And when a citrus-forward marinade is blended with a little honey or sugar, its sour notes are balanced out by the added sweetness, resulting in delicious, flavorful pork.

Feel free to be bold and turn that pork into a tantalizing dinner creation with a sweet, savory, and citrusy marinade.