Get ready to cook up some amazing Asian pork chops! This recipe is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and clear, straightforward steps, you'll be serving up juicy, flavor-packed pork chops in only 30 minutes.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, these pork chops are seasoned with a blend of Asian spices that bring out their natural flavors.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works for several reasons. Not only does it yield incredibly flavorful results, but it's so simple to make and these Asian pork chops pair well with a variety of tasty side dishes.
The marinade for these pork chops includes so many unique ingredients with very strong flavors. Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha all come together to create a tasty marinade full of Asian flavors to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
As if that wasn't enough, this recipe is also so very easy to make. The majority of the time is spent letting the pork chops marinate. The rest of the recipe comes together quite quickly, as pork chops don't take very long to cook. Not to mention that the ingredients are simple and easy to find in most grocery stores.
Additionally, these Asian pork chops pair well with a variety of different side dishes. From rice and noodles to fresh salads and various stir-fried vegetables, you will never run out of ways to serve these deliciously easy Asian pork chops.
Ingredients
Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce is a key ingredient in this Asian pork chop recipe; however, there are some alternatives that you can use in its place. Tamari and coconut aminos are popular gluten-free and vegan substitutes for soy sauce. Additionally, you can recreate the same sweet and savory flavors found in this dish by using a combination of molasses, salt, and balsamic vinegar.
Sriracha:
Sriracha sauce is added to this Asian pork chop recipe for a bit of heat. You can add more or less depending on how much of a kick you want for your pork chops. You can also consider using a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, Thai green chilies, or crushed red pepper flakes for some added spice if you're feeling daring.
Garlic and Ginger:
Garlic and ginger are two aromatics that are used quite commonly throughout Asian cuisine. Star anise, Chinese, 5-Spice, cilantro, citrus zest, lemongrass, and scallions are also excellent choices to add to these Asian pork chops.
Honey:
While honey is used to sweeten up this Asian pork chop recipe, you can also turn to a variety of other ingredients that will add the sweetness necessary while letting you play with different flavors. Options such as maple syrup, brown sugar, molasses, and agave syrup will add their own unique characteristics to the mix, while still keeping things sweet.
Sesame Oil:
Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to your Asian pork chops. It can even be a nice touch to top your completed dish off with a light drizzle of sesame oil. If you aren't a fan of sesame oil or don't have any, you can simply substitute for any cooking oil that you do have. Just maybe omit the drizzle at the end if you do choose a different oil.
Pork Chops:
Choose good quality pork chops that are around 1" - 1 ½ " thick. If you don't have pork chops readily available, you can use different cuts like pork loin, pork tenderloin, or boneless pork chops. Tofu, tempeh, or seitan are meatless options that can be used to recreate this Asian Pork Chop recipe if you are vegan or vegetarian. Ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly for any substitutions made.
How to Make Asian Pork Chops
Step One:
Combine soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir to incorporate.
Step Two:
Pour the marinade over the pork chops.
Step Three:
Allow the chops to marinate for 20 minutes.
Step Four:
Place a pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the pan is hot, lay the pork chops side by side.
Step Five:
Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Step Six:
Garnish with fresh herbs, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
- If you have the time, let your pork chops marinate as long as possible, even overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful. The longer the pork chops marinate, the better.
- Let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
What to Serve With Asian Pork Chops
To complement the succulent flavors of your Asian pork chops, you can serve them with a vibrant array of side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice serves as a perfect canvas to soak up the rich marinade. Stir-fried bok choy, broccoli, or mixed vegetables add a colorful and crisp texture to your Asian pork chops, while stir-fried noodles provide a delightful contrast.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made marinades from the store on my Asian pork chops?
Yes, using pre-made marinades from the store is a quick and convenient alternative that will save you time and effort in the kitchen. For a more personalized touch, enhance the flavors of the marinade to your liking with additional ingredients. Ensure the marinade complements the pork chops, and then simply add any other ingredients you would like to see in your Asian pork chop dish.
Are there any other flavors I can add to my Asian pork chop marinade?
Certainly! Elevate your Asian pork chop marinade with flavors like lemongrass, star anise, and Chinese five-spice for aromatic depth. Add a kick with cayenne pepper, paprika, chili flakes, or Thai bird chilies, and experiment with miso paste for unique umami richness. The juice and zest from citrus fruits like orange, lemon, grapefruit, or lime can provide a refreshing twist.
How long can leftover Asian pork chops be kept fresh?
Leftover Asian pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To maximize freshness, store them in an airtight container. If planning to keep them longer, consider freezing, where they can last for 2-3 months.
More Pork Recipes
Pork is typically a quick and easy protein to prepare at mealtime, so we've rounded up our favorite pork recipes to inspire your weekly meal prep.
Pork Chops and Potatoes (one-pot meal)
Asian Pork Chops
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir to incorporate.
- Pour the marinade over the pork chops.
- Allow the chops to marinate for 20 minutes.
- Place a pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the pan is hot, lay the pork chops side by side.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- If you have the time, let your pork chops marinate as long as possible, even overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful. The longer the pork chops marinate, the better.
- Let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.