Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chops

Introduction

Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chops are a delicious fusion of savory and sweet, offering tender, juicy pork with a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chops, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a gourmet-style meal at home. These pork chops pair perfectly with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chops because they are packed with flavor while remaining incredibly easy to make. The teriyaki glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the natural taste of the pork. The chops stay tender and juicy, with a slight caramelized crisp on the outside. This recipe is versatile, approachable for home cooks, and delivers the kind of flavors you usually expect from a restaurant without the fuss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it elevates simple pork chops with a sticky, savory glaze that everyone will love. It’s fast, requires minimal ingredients, and produces a meal that’s both visually appealing and satisfying. The teriyaki flavor profile is familiar yet exciting, making it a family-friendly option that can also impress guests. Quick, delicious, and versatile, these glazed pork chops are perfect for almost any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories (per serving): ~350–400 kcal

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Course: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to make the teriyaki glaze.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Pour glaze over chops and simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Optionally, mix cornstarch with water and add to the skillet for a thicker glaze.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze

• In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
• Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

• Pat pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

• Reduce heat to medium and pour the prepared teriyaki glaze over the pork chops.
• Simmer for 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over chops, until they are fully cooked and the glaze thickens.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

• If desired, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir into the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the glaze reaches your preferred thickness.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

• Remove pork chops from heat and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve

Serve Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chops over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Pair with stir-fried vegetables, sautéed bok choy, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the rice for maximum flavor. These pork chops also pair well with noodles or a fresh Asian-style salad for a lighter option.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Pat pork chops dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
• Adjust honey or brown sugar for sweetness based on preference.
• Use medium heat to avoid burning the glaze.
• Thin pork chops cook faster, so adjust timing accordingly.
• Leftovers taste great cold or reheated in a skillet.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Pork Chops: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze.
• Garlic Teriyaki: Increase garlic to 3–4 cloves for more flavor.
• Ginger-Lime Version: Add 1 teaspoon lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Oven-Baked Option: Bake pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, then brush with glaze during the last 5 minutes.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to prevent drying.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or nonstick frying pan
• Small bowl for mixing glaze
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, but cooking time will be slightly longer—check internal temperature to ensure doneness.

Q2: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Use medium heat and stir occasionally. Add water or cornstarch slurry if needed.

Q3: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, mix the glaze and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q4: What’s the best way to tell if pork chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Q5: Can I bake this in the oven instead of stovetop?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, brushing with glaze during the last 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chops are a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. Tender, juicy pork coated with a sweet and savory glaze makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and sure to become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a gourmet-inspired meal at home any day of the week.