Teriyaki Pork Chops

Introduction

Teriyaki Pork Chops are a delicious and flavorful dish featuring juicy pork chops marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness gives the pork chops an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, family meals, or even meal prep for the week. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, Teriyaki Pork Chops are a simple yet impressive dish that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality dish in less than an hour. The teriyaki marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with sweet and savory flavors. The glaze caramelizes when pan-seared or baked, giving the pork chops a beautiful shine and an irresistible taste. It’s a dish that’s simple to make but packed with flavor.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Flavorful & Juicy: Teriyaki marinade adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both adults and kids for its sweet, umami-rich taste.
• Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes (excluding marinating)
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian / Japanese-inspired
• Course: Main dish / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick, ~6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Marinade / Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and caramelized.
5. Remove pork chops and simmer the remaining marinade in the pan for 2–3 minutes, adding cornstarch mixture if a thicker sauce is desired.
6. Pour sauce over pork chops and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Marinate Pork Chops
   Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the teriyaki marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Heat the Skillet
   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook Pork Chops
   Remove pork chops from marinade (reserve the marinade). Sear the pork chops for 4–5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C) and caramelized.
5. Prepare the Sauce
   Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. If a thicker sauce is desired, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish & Garnish
   Pour the teriyaki sauce over the pork chops. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
7. Serve
   Serve immediately with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
• Pair with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers.
• Optional: drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the rice for added flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Marinating Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate pork chops for 2–4 hours.
• Cooking Tip: Do not overcook pork chops to keep them juicy; 145°F (63°C) internal temperature is ideal.
• Sauce Tip: Thicken the sauce with cornstarch if you prefer a glossy glaze.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Honey Garlic Teriyaki: Increase honey and garlic for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor.
• Grilled Version: Grill pork chops over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked pork chops (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and prepare fresh sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Small mixing bowl for marinade
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Tongs or spatula

FAQ

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Yes, but cooking time will increase slightly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I bake the pork chops instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
A: Yes, brown sugar works perfectly as a sweetener for the teriyaki sauce.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Pork Chops are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Juicy pork chops coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze make for a dish that’s simple to prepare yet tastes like it came from a restaurant. With easy prep, bold flavors, and plenty of options for variations, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired comfort food.