These Teriyaki Pork Chops are juicy and bursting with flavor! Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, they grill up beautifully and are perfect for dinner.
Cooking these chops always impresses family and friends. I love serving them with rice and veggies—it’s a complete meal that tastes fantastic without much fuss! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great because the bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. If you want a leaner option, you could use boneless chops, but they may cook a bit faster, so watch them closely!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is key for that umami flavor. If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, consider low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, tamari works wonderfully.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pork. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor, or use honey as a substitute.
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it on hand, equal parts apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work in a pinch.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic give a great aromatic flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder or ground ginger can substitute, but fresh is best for this dish!
How Can I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy results every time!
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring they stay moist.
- Keep the heat medium-high. High heat can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Marinate for the best flavor. Allowing the chops to sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight gives them that extra kick!
By following these guidelines, you will have delicious Teriyaki Pork Chops every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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 Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed vegetables or greens, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the pork chops. Plan for an additional 10-15 minutes to cook them, bringing your total time to around 1 hour. The wait is worth it for those delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This will create a sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade that will infuse the pork with flavor.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large sealed bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate them for 2 hours or even overnight!
3. Prepare to Cook:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade (remember to save that delicious marinade for later!).
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
Lightly oil the grill or skillet. Cook the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). They should be juicy and tender!
5. Make the Sauce (Optional):
While the chops are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer. If you want to thicken the sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook until it thickens up nicely.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chops and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your teriyaki pork chops hot alongside steamed vegetables or greens for a complete meal. Enjoy the savory, sweet flavors!
Delight in your homemade Teriyaki Pork Chops that are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used! Just be aware that they may cook faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they don’t dry out. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
No worries! Soy sauce is essential, but you can substitute brown sugar with honey or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar will work as a good replacement.
Can I Marinate for Longer Than Overnight?
Marinating for longer than 24 hours is not recommended, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the meat fibers too much, making the pork mushy. Stick to a maximum of overnight for the best texture!
How to Store Leftover 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 in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. Enjoy them cold in a salad or sandwich too!