Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled pork chop that's bursting with bold, authentic Chinese flavors – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so delicious it'll make your taste buds dance! This Chinese-inspired marinade transforms ordinary pork chops into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a grilling novice or a backyard barbecue champion, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your palate to the vibrant streets of China.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and five-spice powder to create a marinade.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure proper marinade absorption and better grill searing.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides before adding them to the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F), cleaning and oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill pork chops for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the pork chops sit in the marinade for 2 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Always pat the pork chops dry before grilling. This removes excess moisture and helps create that beautiful, caramelized exterior.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the perfect 145°F internal temperature. This guarantees both food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Let It Rest: Always let your grilled pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Grill Maintenance: Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks.
- Optional Garnish: Elevate the presentation by sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the finished pork chops for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
