These soy garlic pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! The tangy soy sauce mixed with garlic gives them a tasty kick you won’t forget.
I love throwing these on the grill for a quick dinner. Serve them with rice or veggies, and watch out—everyone will be asking for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Both bone-in and boneless chops work well. Bone-in tends to be juicier, while boneless is easier to serve. Depending on your taste, try using thinner chops for quicker cooking, or even a pork tenderloin cut into medallions for a different texture.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish its salty and umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, or coconut aminos for a lighter option. I often use a mix of regular and low-sodium for balance.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punchy flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh really shines in this recipe. Some folks love adding more garlic for an even bolder taste.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you want a healthier alternative, honey or maple syrup can work well, but keep in mind that they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Rice Vinegar: It brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is a fine replacement. I sometimes use balsamic for a twist, although it changes the profile a bit).
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Pork Chops?
Marinating is key for juicy and flavorful pork chops. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors infuse. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade in a bowl before adding the pork for even coating.
- Use a ziplock bag for easy storage. Just toss in the chops and press out the air before sealing.
- Marinate in the fridge. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but aim for 1 hour or overnight if possible.
- Don’t forget to dry the chops before cooking. This helps achieve that nice sear instead of steaming.
Cooking well-marinated pork chops lets those delicious flavors shine, making every bite enjoyable!
Delicious Soy Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (up to overnight for the best flavor). Cooking the pork chops will take around 10-12 minutes. Overall, you can expect the total time to be around 1 hour, depending on the marinating time you choose.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This will be your flavorful marinade to soak the pork chops.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each chop is well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Get Ready to Cook:
Once marinated, take the pork chops out and pat them dry using paper towels. This step helps to achieve a beautiful sear! Lightly season each chop with salt and black pepper.
4. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the pork chops in the skillet and sear them for about 3-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned and their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Reduce:
Remove the cooked pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes on a plate. Meanwhile, lower the heat to medium-low and pour the leftover marinade into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring to combine the flavors left at the bottom.
6. Glaze and Serve:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the thickened sauce over them to glaze. Then, transfer the pork chops to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using.
7. Enjoy Your Dish:
Serve your flavorful soy garlic pork chops hot, alongside steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. Enjoy the wonderful caramelized glaze and delicious garlicky flavor!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with chicken, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose—chicken and beef will generally need longer cooking time than pork.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute with a similar acidity. You can also use white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile! Just keep in mind that balsamic will give you a sweeter touch.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Grill the Pork Chops Instead of Cooking on the Stove?
Yes! Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated pork chops for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).