These teriyaki pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture, they create a tasty glaze that you won’t be able to resist.
Honestly, my favorite part is how quick they cook. Just grill or pan-fry, and you’ve got a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add extra flavor and juiciness. However, you can use boneless chops if that’s what you have. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re thinner.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari as a great alternative.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds depth. If you can’t find mirin, mix one tablespoon of sugar with three tablespoons of water or use a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
Sake: If sake isn’t available, dry sherry or white wine will work. Personal tip: I usually keep a bottle of dry sherry in my cabinet for cooking—it’s very versatile!
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Glazed?
The secret to a beautiful glaze is in the marinade and cooking technique. First, marinating adds flavor; a few hours is best, but even an hour can do wonders. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade after soaking, as it has raw meat juices.
- Pat the chops dry before cooking—this helps achieve that lovely caramelization.
- Sear the chops well on each side to lock in juices. Don’t rush this—aim for a golden-brown color!
- After searing, lower the heat and add the reserved marinade. This is where the magic happens! Spoon the sauce over the chops while it simmers to enhance the glaze.
- Let them rest after cooking; this keeps them juicy when sliced.
Enjoying your teriyaki pork chops is as easy as mastering these techniques!
How to Make Delicious Teriyaki Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with dry sherry or white wine)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: steamed vegetables or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus at least 1 hour for marinating (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor) and about 15 minutes for cooking. So, plan on approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes total to make these delicious teriyaki pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Keep whisking until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will be the tasty marinade for your pork chops.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it into the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, give it 3-4 hours for a richer flavor!
3. Get Ready to Cook:
Once marinated, take the pork chops out of the fridge. Remove them from the marinade, reserving the liquid for later use. Pat the chops dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely during cooking.
4. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through.
5. Add the Marinade:
Once the chops are nicely seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Let it simmer, occasionally spooning the sauce over the pork chops. Cook until the sauce thickens to a lovely glaze and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F—this should take about 3-5 more minutes.
6. Rest the Chops:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the pork chops and garnish with the sliced green onions. Pair with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete, delicious meal.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful teriyaki pork chops with that beautiful caramelized glaze! You’re going to love this dish! 🍽️
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they will cook a bit faster—check them at around 2-3 minutes per side for best results, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for as little as 1 hour, but for optimal flavor, aim for 3-4 hours. If you need to marinate them overnight, you’ll still enjoy great flavor, just be sure to not exceed 24 hours to avoid mushiness.
What Should I Do With Leftover Marinade?
It’s important to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. However, if you’d like to reserve it for a sauce, be sure to simmer it on the stove for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria before serving. Always prioritize food safety!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness if needed.