Ingredients:
2 lbs bone-in pork chops (about 3 large or 4 medium chops)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Begin by placing the pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they will soak up all the flavors from the sauce while cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Cook:
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Make sure each chop is evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for about 5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
4. Serve:
When the pork chops are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving dish. Strain the cooking juices through a fine sieve into a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a simmer and reduce slightly to thicken it. Drizzle this sauce over the pork chops for added flavor and moisture. Serve the pork chops on a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious juices.
Pro Tips & Variations:
Marinate for More Flavor:
For an even deeper flavor, marinate the pork chops in half of the teriyaki sauce mixture overnight in the fridge. Use the remaining sauce for cooking as directed.
Add a Sear:
Before placing the pork chops in the slow cooker, sear them in a hot pan with a bit of oil until they are golden brown on both sides. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meat.
Brighten the Sauce:
To enhance the fresh flavors, add an additional tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce. This will give the dish a fresh kick that complements the sweet and savory notes perfectly.
Thicken the Sauce:
If you find the sauce too thin after reducing, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir this slurry into the sauce. Simmer until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
Garnish for Impact:
For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the pork chops just before serving. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but also add delightful textures and flavors.
Variations:
Spicy Teriyaki Pork Chops: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Citrus Twist: Include the zest of one orange and a tablespoon of fresh orange juice in the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Vegetable Addition: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. These vegetables will soak up the teriyaki flavors and add nutritional value to the dish.
Alternative Protein: Substitute the pork chops with chicken thighs or breasts for a different take on this dish. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Conclusion:
These Teriyaki Pork Chops are more than just a meal; they are an experience. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a sauce that transforms simple pork chops into a gourmet dish. Cooking them in a slow cooker ensures the meat is tender and infused with flavor, while the optional garnishes add a professional touch.
Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, the ease of preparation and the impressive result make it a go-to recipe. Serve with rice or noodles and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors that bring a little celebration to your dinner table. Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
