Gingered Pork Chops Recipe 🍽️
Overview:
Gingered Pork Chops are a delightful blend of savory and sweet, with a zesty kick of ginger that elevates this dish to a whole new level of flavor. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious on the table in under an hour. Tender boneless pork chops are infused with a tangy marinade and then pan-seared to perfection, creating a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to whip up this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Gingered Pork Chops:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
5 | Fresh ginger (divided) |
3 cloves | Garlic |
3 tbsp | Soy sauce |
2 tbsp | Honey |
4 | Boneless pork chops |
4 | Green onions |
1 | Green bell pepper |
2 tbsp | Cornstarch |
3 cups | Vegetable or chicken stock |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- Start by mixing 3 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl. This flavorful concoction will serve as the base for our marinade, infusing the pork chops with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
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Tenderize the Pork:
- Using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet, gently pound the pork chops until they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This not only helps to tenderize the meat but also ensures even cooking.
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Marinate the Pork:
- Toss the pork chops in the prepared marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. While traditional marinades require hours of soaking, this recipe only needs a quick toss to infuse the pork with flavor, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time.
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Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining grated ginger, sliced green onions, and diced green bell pepper. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp and aromatic, creating a fragrant base for our dish.
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Cook the Pork:
- Remove the marinated pork chops from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each chop in cornstarch, coating it evenly on all sides. This step helps to create a crispy outer crust when the pork is cooked.
- In the same pan used for the aromatics, brown the pork chops on both sides until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. This quick cooking method ensures that the pork remains juicy and flavorful.
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Create the Glaze:
- While the pork is cooking, combine the remaining cornstarch with any leftover marinade. This will create a thick, glossy glaze that will coat the pork chops and infuse them with even more flavor.
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Bring It All Together:
- Once the pork chops are browned and cooked through, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- Pour the vegetable or chicken stock into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to deglaze the pan. Then, add the cornstarch-marinade mixture to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return the cooked pork chops to the pan, coating them evenly in the glaze. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops are heated through.
- Serve the Gingered Pork Chops hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Pair them with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 435.7
- Fat: 19.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
- Sodium: 904.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 10.6g
- Protein: 42.4g
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to the marinade.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the pork chops; this ensures that they brown evenly and develop a crispy crust.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables to the stir-fry mix. Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli all work wonderfully in this dish.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply increase the amount of cornstarch in the recipe until you reach your desired consistency.
With its vibrant flavors and quick cooking time, Gingered Pork Chops are sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy! 🍽️👩🍳