Teriyaki Pork Chops

Teriyaki pork chops are my favorite go-to option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that never fails to satisfy my taste buds. For a simple recipe, marinate the chops in soy sauce, sesame oil, sake, sugar, ginger, brown sugar, and garlic. Grill or pan-fry until cooked, and enjoy the flavorful dish with friends and family.

Things to pair with Teriyaki Pork Chops:

Coconut Rice
Creamy Mashed Potato

The key to creating mouthwatering teriyaki pork chops lies in the marinade. A harmonious blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake or white wine, brown sugar, and minced garlic transforms a simple pork chop into a culinary masterpiece. This marinade imparts a delightful combination of umami, sweetness, and a subtle kick of garlic, elevating the dish to new heights.

Why Pork Chops?

Pork chops are a popular choice for teriyaki because they are relatively lean and tender, making them well-suited for quick cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. Additionally, pork chops have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The combination of tender meat and flavorful sauce creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many. However, you can also use other proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu if you have dietary restrictions.

What is teriyaki?

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze made of soy sauce, sake, and sugar. It results in a sweet and savory flavor.

The cooking process is equally straightforward. Whether you opt for grilling or pan-frying, the key is achieving a perfect caramelization on the exterior while keeping the pork chops juicy and tender inside. As the aroma wafts through the air, you’ll anticipate the delightful symphony of flavors awaiting your taste buds.

For more quick and easy dinner recipes check out:

Seafood Linguine
One Pot Jerk Chicken and Rice
Mexican Dinner

What ingredients will you need?

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

Pork chops: The main protein for the dish. Choose boneless or bone-in pork chops depending on your preference.
Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami flavor essential to teriyaki sauce. It serves as the base for the sauce.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and creates a rich, caramelized glaze when cooked.
Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce. Fresh minced garlic is preferable, but garlic powder can also be used.
Ginger: Another aromatic ingredient that adds a distinct flavor to the sauce. Fresh ginger is best, but ground ginger can also be used as a substitute.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor to the sauce and enhances the overall depth of flavor. Only a small amount is needed as it is quite potent.
Cornstarch (optional): Used as a thickening agent to achieve the desired consistency for the teriyaki sauce. It helps to create a glossy finish and coats the pork chops evenly.
Green onions (optional): Used as a garnish for added freshness and color. They also provide a subtle onion flavor that complements the dish.
Sesame seeds (optional): Another garnish option that adds texture and a nutty flavor to the dish. Toasted sesame seeds are preferred for extra flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and savory teriyaki sauce that pairs perfectly with pork chops. Adjustments can be made to suit personal preferences, such as adding additional spices or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce.

How to make teriyaki pork chops?

Step 1
Pat them dry with paper towels and season them with complete seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili oil, dark soy sauce hosing sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your taste.

Step 3
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, making sure they are well coated—Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place them in the skillet or on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

Step 5
If desired, you can thicken the remaining marinade to use as a sauce. Pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry in a separate small bowl. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6
Once the pork chops are cooked, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. After the sauce is complete add the pork chops and ensure it’s well coated or drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the pork chops before serving.

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The Recipe

Teriyaki Pork Chops

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 3-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Pork Chops
• 1/4 Cup soy sauce
• 1/4 Cup brown sugar
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 Teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 Tablespoons chili oil
• 2-3 Tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1/4 Cup dry cooking white wine
• 1/2 Cup water
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 Cup red wine
• 1 Tablespoon hosing sauce
• 1 Tablespoons complete seasoning

Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, chili oil, oyster sauce, sesame oil, hosing sauce, complete seasoning and minced garlic to create the teriyaki marinade.
• Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the teriyaki marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, a few hours for more flavor.
• Preheat your grill or a skillet pan over medium-high heat. If using a skillet add butter and olive oil.
• Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Grill or pan-fry the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
• While cooking, you can brush the pork chops with extra marinade for added flavor.
• Add cornstarch to the reserved marinade. Remove pork chops from the pan and set aside.
• Add reserved marinade with red wine to the saucepan. Stir until the sauce thickens then add the cooked pork chops in stir to incorporate all the flavors.
• Remove and garnish with chopped green onions. (Optional)
• Enjoy your homemade teriyaki pork chops!

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