These Teriyaki Pork Chops are juicy and flavorful, coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce that makes them simply irresistible. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Cooking these chops is a breeze! I love serving them with rice and veggies for a complete meal. You might just find yourself dancing in the kitchen with how good they smell! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and moisture. If you don’t have bone-in, boneless chops work too! Just reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Mirin: It’s a sweet rice wine that enhances the sauce’s flavor. If you can’t find it, dry sherry or a sweet Marsala wine make great substitutes.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to the sauce. If you prefer, you can use honey or coconut sugar for a different flair.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic give the dish a wonderful aroma and taste. Jarred versions are okay in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Make Sure My Teriyaki Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
The key to a great teriyaki sauce lies in the thickening process. After simmering the sauce, you’ll add a cornstarch slurry. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the sauce. This helps avoid lumps.
- Stir the sauce continuously while the slurry cooks; this will ensure it thickens smoothly.
- If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or more soy sauce to reach your desired consistency.
With these insights and techniques, your Teriyaki Pork Chops will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Teriyaki Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or substitute with dry sherry or sweet Marsala wine
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Optional: sliced red chili or chili flakes for dipping sauce/spice
Time Needed:
This dish will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 25 minutes. Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season both sides of the chops lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. This sauce will be the star of the dish!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. After that, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Glaze:
Return the cooked pork chops to the skillet. Make sure to turn them in the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chops to glaze them as they heat through.
6. Serve:
Transfer the glazed pork chops to serving plates, and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Pair with a scoop of steamed white rice and a side of sliced red chilies in soy sauce if you like some heat!
Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Pork Chops with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used! Just reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes on each side, as they cook faster than bone-in chops.
How Do I Store Leftover Teriyaki Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or sauce to keep them moist.
Is There a Substitute for Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, dry sherry or sweet Marsala wine are good substitutes. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 3 tablespoons of water as a quick alternative!
Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using, and you may need to reheat it to incorporate back together.