Are you tired of bland, dry pork chops that leave you disappointed? Get ready to transform your dinner game with these mouthwatering Soy and Ginger Glazed Pork Chops that promise to deliver an explosion of Asian-inspired flavor in just 30 minutes! This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, combining the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade glaze.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better caramelization.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of marinade for basting, and place pork chops in a shallow dish, covering them with the remaining marinade. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Remove pork chops from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with reserved marinade during cooking to enhance flavor and create a glossy glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.
- Remove from heat and let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove moisture from the pork chops, which helps create that gorgeous caramelized exterior.
- Marinade Magic: Don't skip the marinating step – it's crucial for infusing deep flavor into the meat. Even 10-15 minutes can make a huge difference.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat to get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Basting is Essential: Continuously baste the pork chops with the reserved marinade to build layers of flavor and create a stunning glossy finish.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Cook to exactly 145°F (63°C) to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked pork every single time.
- Rest is Best: Always let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and ensure maximum tenderness. Pro tip: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions to elevate the presentation and add a fresh crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
