Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering Chinese-inspired dish that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Five Fragrance Pork Chops are not just a recipe—they're a flavor explosion that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. Imagine perfectly seared, golden-brown pork chops infused with a magical blend of five-spice powder that promises to transport you straight to the bustling streets of China with just one bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine five-spice powder, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Coat each pork chop thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring all sides are well covered. Let marinate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place marinated pork chops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip pork chops and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
- Dry Meat = Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to pat the pork chops completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful golden-brown crust!
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10 minutes allow the five-spice powder and soy sauce to deeply penetrate and flavor the meat.
- Pan Perfection: Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the most even heat and best caramelization.
- Never Overcrowd: Cook pork chops in a single layer to ensure they sear instead of steam.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to hit that perfect 145°F internal temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat pork.
- Rest is Best: Always let your pork chops rest after cooking to redistribute those delicious juices and keep the meat tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
