These Teriyaki Pork Chops are sweet, savory, and super juicy! The tasty teriyaki sauce gives a delicious glaze that makes your dinner feel extra special. Yum!
I love making these pork chops for a quick meal. Just grill or pan-sear them, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time. Don’t forget to serve with rice to soak up that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking. If you have boneless chops, they work too! Just be mindful of cooking time since they may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos can also work, giving a slightly sweeter flavor.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine is key to authentic teriyaki sauce. If you can’t find mirin, mix 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar with 1 tablespoon of sugar. It won’t be exact but will nicely replicate the flavor.
Brown Sugar: It helps to balance the saltiness of soy sauce. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but use about 2 teaspoons as they are sweeter.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic give great flavor. Feel free to use powdered versions in a pinch, but fresh is always best for that punchy taste!
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops adds a lovely crust and locks in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, ensure the pork chops are at room temperature before cooking. This promotes even cooking.
- Use a skillet that’s large enough to hold the chops without crowding. This allows them to sear properly.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat. It’s hot enough when a drop of water sizzles on contact.
- Once heated, add the chops without moving them around too much. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip once golden brown for even cooking. Remember to glaze with reserved teriyaki sauce in the last minute for extra flavor!
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 Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped green onions or chives
- Optional side: steamed or grilled broccolini or other green vegetable
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate the pork chops, and around 10-15 minutes to cook them. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar has fully dissolved. This is your tasty teriyaki sauce!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Next, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Take about half of your teriyaki sauce and set it aside for later. Pour the rest of the sauce over the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the chops are coated well. Marinate them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place them in the skillet. Sear each chop for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the chop.
4. Glaze and Rest:
In the last minute of cooking, brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over the pork chops to give them a delicious glaze. Once cooked, remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your pork chops with fresh chopped green onions or chives. They pair wonderfully with steamed or grilled broccolini or any green vegetable you prefer. You can also serve them with steamed rice to soak up the extra glaze!
Dig in and enjoy your juicy, flavorful Teriyaki Pork Chops! They are sure to impress!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops are a great alternative! Just be mindful to check the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than bone-in chops—aim for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir or shake before using!
What Vegetables Pair Well with Teriyaki Pork Chops?
Steamed or grilled broccolini, bok choy, or snap peas are excellent choices. You can also serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal!