Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked teriyaki pork chop, where the savory richness of soy sauce mingles with the sweetness of brown sugar and honey.
The marinated blend of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil adds layers of flavor, making each bite irresistibly tender and juicy.
Whether you choose to grill or pan-sear them, these chops promise a delightful meal.
Ready to explore how to create this dish in your own kitchen?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 bowl
- 1 plate
- 1 tongs
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Teriyaki Pork Chops, here is a suggested timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe.
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Marinating (30 minutes):
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re well coated.
- Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
During this time, you can prepare any side dishes, set the table, or clean up the prep area.
4. Cooking (15 minutes):
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated pork chops to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Resting (5 minutes):
– Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
6. Making the Sauce (5 minutes):
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water.
- Add the mixture to the skillet with the remaining marinade and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
7. Final Touches (2 minutes):
- Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
This timeline allows you to efficiently manage your time and guarantee a smooth cooking process from start to finish.
Recipe Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re well coated.
Allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chops.
Cook the pork chops for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the skillet with the remaining marinade.
Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that helps soak up the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
- Stir-fried Vegetables: Adds color and nutrition, complementing the savory taste of the pork chops.
- Noodles: Opt for soba or udon noodles to maintain the Japanese theme and add an extra layer of texture.
- Asian Slaw: A revitalizing, crunchy side that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting starter that enhances the overall Japanese dining experience.
Storage
Store leftover teriyaki pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months.
Freezing
To freeze teriyaki pork chops, first cool them completely.
Wrap each chop in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Label with the date and consume within three months.
Reheating
When reheating Teriyaki Pork Chops, use a skillet over medium heat or an oven at 350°F to maintain juiciness.
Add extra sauce to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki pork chops are a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors.
The marinade infuses the pork with rich, umami notes, while the quick cooking time guarantees the meat remains juicy and tender.
By marinating the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, you enhance the depth of flavor, making each bite more satisfying.
Remember to cook the pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F to maintain their tenderness.
The thickened sauce, poured over the chops, adds a luscious finish, complemented by the fresh crunch of green onions.
For a complete meal, consider serving these teriyaki pork chops with steamed rice or vegetables.
Enjoying this dish is a fantastic way to explore Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Be Used as a Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. They’ll provide a similar tangy flavor. Just remember to slightly reduce the quantity, as these alternatives can be stronger in taste.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives to Pork Chops for This Recipe?
You can swap pork chops for tofu or tempeh. They soak up flavors well and deliver a similar texture. Marinade them thoroughly, and adjust cooking times to guarantee they’re perfectly cooked. Enjoy a delightful vegetarian twist on this dish!
Can This Recipe Be Adapted for an Air Fryer?
You can easily adapt this recipe for an air fryer. Preheat to 400°F, then cook the marinated pork chops for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Confirm they reach 145°F internally. You’ll love how juicy they turn out!
What Wine Pairs Well With Teriyaki Pork Chops?
You should pair a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling with this dish. The wine’s acidity complements the savory flavors, while its sweetness balances the teriyaki sauce’s richness. Enjoy your meal with this delightful combination!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To spice it up, add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. You could also mix in fresh chopped chili peppers. Adjust the amount to your taste, and enjoy a fiery kick with every bite!
Teriyaki Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Bowl
- 1 plate
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chops.
- Cook the pork chops for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the skillet with the remaining marinade.
- Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
