Teriyaki pork chops are juicy and packed with flavor! The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce makes each bite a tasty treat. Perfect for dinner any night!
Cooking these chops makes my kitchen smell amazing! I like to serve them with rice and veggies. It’s a simple meal that feels a little fancy. Who doesn’t love that? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I use bone-in chops for juiciness and flavor, but you could also choose boneless chops if that’s what you have. They cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the time.
Soy Sauce: This gives the sauce its salty base. If you’re watching sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free substitute.
Mirin: If you can’t find mirin, dry sherry is a good alternative. It makes a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar is another option!
Sake: This adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip it if you’d like. Just a touch more mirin can work in its place.
Brown Sugar & Honey: These contribute sweetness. Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup, especially if you want a vegan option!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking perfect pork chops can be tricky. The goal is to have juicy, tender meat. Follow these steps for best results:
- Start with room-temperature pork chops. Let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t rush the marinating step! Marinate the chops for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for 2 hours. The longer, the better!
- When cooking, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork chops. This helps to sear and lock in juices.
- Use a meat thermometer. When the temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), they’re done! Remember, they’ll keep cooking a bit after you take them off the heat.
- Let the chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices inside.
How to Make Delicious Teriyaki Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 3 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (or dry sherry as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed or sautéed broccoli or other veggies (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the pork (up to 2 hours if you prefer). Cooking will take around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, expect about 50 minutes—most of which is waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed. This is your tasty teriyaki sauce!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chops to coat them evenly. Make sure to reserve the rest of the sauce for later. Let the chops marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have time, marinate them for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor!
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat the vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, take the pork chops out of the marinade (letting the excess drip off) and discard the used marinade.
Add the pork chops to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This step is important for juicy chops!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
While the pork chops are cooking, take the reserved teriyaki sauce and put it in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Glaze the Chops:
In the last minute of cooking, brush some of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the pork chops to create a beautiful glaze.
6. Let It Rest:
Remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This helps retain their juices, making them even more delicious!
7. Serve:
Serve your teriyaki pork chops garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Pair them with steamed white rice and optional steamed or sautéed broccoli or your favorite vegetables on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful, sticky teriyaki pork chops with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors! Yum!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, and they cook faster than bone-in chops. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may only need about 3-4 minutes per side.
Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce up to a week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using, as some separation may occur.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the pan while cooking the pork chops. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious, colorful meal!
