Teriyaki Pork Chops are the perfect pick when you’re looking to whip up something that not only tastes delightful but also pleases everyone at the table. This dish is known for its robust flavors that blend the savory depth of pork with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a favorite across all age groups. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, these pork chops are sure to satisfy.
For those cooking larger or thicker chops, consider doubling the sauce to ensure every bite is as flavorful as possible. Stick with bone-in chops if you can—their fat enriches the dish, enhancing the overall taste, especially when balanced with the zip of soy sauce and the sweetness of sugar.
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)
Directions:
Prep the Pork:
Place the pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar until well combined.
Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours, or until the pork is tender and flavors are melded.
Serve:
Carefully remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and place them on a bed of fluffy white rice. Don’t forget those delicious cooking juices—strain them through a sieve into a small pan, reduce slightly, and drizzle over the pork for added flavor and moisture.
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 rest for cooking as directed.
Add a Sear:
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sear the pork chops in a hot pan until golden before adding them to the slow cooker.
Brighten the Sauce:
Enhance the sauce by adding a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, giving a fresh kick that complements the sweet and savory notes perfectly.
Thicken the Sauce:
If the sauce is too thin after reducing, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce, simmering until thickened to a glaze-like consistency.
Garnish for Impact:
Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
These Teriyaki Pork Chops are not just delicious but also a visually appealing meal that brings a little celebration to your dinner table. Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!