This is the ultimate guide on marinating pork in buttermilk.
Let’s get started
How Long Do You Marinate Pork Chops In Buttermilk
According to USDA, it is safe to marinate the pork in buttermilk for 3-5 days. But in most cases, you would not need to marinate the pork for such a long period, most recipes demand marinating for 12-24 hours only.
Longer periods of marination of pork in buttermilk may lead pork to become mushy. This is true for any meat.
But do not worry, things do not turn bad suddenly when you are marinating pork 🙂
Buttermilk is mildly acidic as compared to other marinades such as vinegar, lime, or lemon juice. Thus, in general needs more time to ack as compared to these.
Table: Marinade and their Acidity (pH Values)
| Marinade | pH (Acidity) |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 3.0 - 3.2 |
| Beer | 3.7 - 4.1 |
| Bourbon | 3.7 - 4.0 |
| Butter Milk | 4.4 - 4.8 |
| Carbonated Drinks | 3.0 - 4.0 |
| Coffee | 4.9 - 5.1 |
| Cranberry Juice | 2.6 - 2.8 |
| Grapefruit Juice | 3.0 - 3.8 |
| Heavy Cream | 6.5 - 6.8 |
| Lemon juice | 2.0 - 2.6 |
| Lime juice | 2.0 - 2.4 |
| Milk | 6.7-6.9 |
| Orange Juice | 3.3 - 4.2 |
| Pickle Juice | 3.2 - 3.7 |
| Red Wine | 3.0 - 4.0 |
| White Vinegar | 2.3 - 2.5 |
| Yogurt | 4.4 - 4.8 |
| Sour Cream | 4.5 |
Why Marinate Pork in Buttermilk
There are several benefits of marinating pork in buttermilk –
- Buttermilk is an acidic liquid (that is the reason it is used as a marinade), which helps to break down the tough fibers in meat, making it more tender. The lactic acid in buttermilk also acts as a natural tenderizer.
- The fat content in buttermilk helps to keep the pork moist during cooking.
- Lastly, the flavor of buttermilk complements the flavor of pork nicely. Many chefs praise the amazing unique flavor buttermilk marinade provides to their pork dishes.
So what all do you need to take care of while marinating with buttermilk?
Here is a quick list –
- Ensure to keep the pork inside the fridge. This needs to be done as soon as you have mixed the marinade with the meat.
- The whole thing needs to be kept in ZipLoc bags or air-tight containers (glass or plastic). Avoid using reactive cookware to keep
- Cook the meat as soon as possible after taking it out of the fridge. If you have kept it for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is best to discard it
Can You Soak Pork Chops In Buttermilk Overnight
Yes, you can soak pork chops in buttermilk overnight without any issues at all. In fact, you can marinate them for much longer – 3-5 days in the fridge.
After 3-5 days, the meat may start betting mushy.
Buttermilk Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
There are several ways you can prepare a Buttermilk Pork chop marinade Recipe. Here is a very simple one –
- Combine buttermilk, garlic, and onion
- Add spices you like and go well with the final recipe you have in mind
- Put everything in a large resealable bag.
- Add pork to the bag, making sure it is well coated in the marinade.
- Marinate for a minimum 5-7 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Take out the marinated pork and cook it asap!
The Best Cooking Methods for Marinated Pork Chops
Marinating pork chops before cooking them is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to the meat.
When marinating pork chops, always start with fresh, high-quality meat.
Pork chops that have been frozen are less likely to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
If you’re using thicker pork chops, it’s also a good idea to pound them thin so that they’ll cook evenly.
To make sure your pork chops are properly seasoned, be sure to taste the marinade before adding the meat.
The acidity of the vinegar or lemon juice can sometimes mask the other flavors in the marinade, so it’s important to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Once your pork chops are properly seasoned and cooked through, be sure to let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful pork chops.
Final Words
Well, that’s all for now!
I hope you found this post helpful in deciding how long to marinate your pork in buttermilk.
Do share this with your friends and family who love pork!
Until next time, happy cooking!