Teriyaki pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! The sweet and salty teriyaki sauce makes every bite delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I love how easy they are to make! Just marinate the pork, grill or fry, and serve with rice or veggies. A tasty meal in no time! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops offer great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless cuts or even pork tenderloin work well, though cooking times may vary.
Soy Sauce: This is the base of your marinade. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative if you want to control the saltiness. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine enhances the sauce’s sweetness. If you can’t find mirin, you can mix rice vinegar with a bit of sugar to mimic its flavor.
Sake: If sake isn’t available, dry sherry or white wine can be substituted. I personally use dry sherry as it gives a nice depth to the dish without altering the taste too much.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness, but feel free to use honey or maple syrup as alternatives. Adjust the quantity since these are sweeter than brown sugar.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops to perfection is all about timing and temperature. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the meat: Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning; this helps achieve a good sear.
- Monitor heat: Cook on medium-high heat to give a nice browning without drying them out. A hot skillet is key!
- Resting time: Allow cooked chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy!
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chops reach 145°F (63°C) to avoid overcooking.
By following these simple steps, you’ll get juicy, flavorful pork chops every time!
How to Make Teriyaki Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
For Serving:
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Steamed broccoli or other veggies, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to marinate the pork chops. Cooking time is approximately 10 minutes. Overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. This flavorful mixture will marinate your pork chops beautifully!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Prepare to Cook:
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, but don’t throw away the marinade—set it aside for later. Pat the chops dry with paper towels to help them get a nice sear when cooked.
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked chops!
5. Make the Sauce:
While the pork chops are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water, and let it simmer until it thickens up nicely.
6. Plate and Serve:
Spoon the teriyaki sauce over the cooked pork chops. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately with a side of steamed white rice and broccoli or your choice of vegetables!
Enjoy your beautiful, glossy teriyaki pork chops with that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors! Dig in! 🍽️
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops are a great alternative, but they may cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 3-4 minutes per side. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Store Leftover Teriyaki Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
What Can I Substitute for Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can mix equal parts rice vinegar and sugar as a substitute. This combo works well to replicate that sweet flavor found in mirin.
Can I Grill the Pork Chops Instead of Cooking in a Skillet?
Yes, grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor! Just preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach the right temperature.
