These Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are a quick and satisfying Chinese-style dish with crispy edges and juicy centers. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and jalapeño chips, this restaurant-style favorite is both flavorful and easy to make at home in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or as part of an Asian-inspired meal for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork & Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless pork chops, cut into irregular ½”–1” pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for gluten-free option)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon salt

For Frying & Flavoring:

• ¼ cup cornstarch (for coating)

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough to cover half the pork in the pan)

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

Pepper Salt Mix:

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the Pork:
   Mix pork with oil, wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and salt. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Prep Salt and Pepper Mix:
   Combine the ¼ tsp salt and ½ tsp white pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Fry Garlic and Jalapeños:
   Heat oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Fry garlic and jalapeños for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.

4. Fry the Pork:
   Coat marinated pork pieces with ¼ cup cornstarch. Fry in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

5. Combine and Toss:
   Place pork, fried garlic, and jalapeños in a bowl. Toss with half of the pepper salt mix, then taste and add more as needed.

6. Serve:
   Enjoy hot over steamed rice, or serve as an appetizer or side with dipping sauce or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrients (Per serving – approximate for 1 of 4 servings)

• Calories: 295 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 14.2g

• Carbohydrates: 10.3g

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sodium: 389mg

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to great salt and pepper pork is in the preparation and technique. The pork chops are cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated briefly with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. The wine adds a subtle depth and umami, while the cornstarch helps create that coveted crispy crust when fried.

Coating the pork with a layer of cornstarch before frying ensures the exterior crisps up quickly and evenly. Frying in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing the pork to brown beautifully rather than steam. The result is pork that’s juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor.

The crispy fried garlic and jalapeño slices are more than just garnishes—they add an aromatic punch and a spicy kick that elevates the entire dish. Fried until just golden, they bring texture contrast and complexity.

The Role of Aromatics and Spice

Garlic is a fundamental flavor in Chinese cooking, and here it shines in its crispy fried form. When fried, garlic mellows in sharpness but gains a nutty, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Jalapeños bring a bright heat that cuts through the richness, balancing the dish.

Using fresh jalapeño slices instead of dried or powdered chili adds a lively freshness and a crisp bite that complements the pork’s crunchy exterior. This combination of flavors and textures is what makes salt and pepper pork chops so addictive.

Shaoxing Wine: The Underrated Ingredient

Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds a subtle, slightly sweet, and aromatic character to marinades and sauces. In this recipe, it tenderizes the pork while enhancing its umami notes. If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry works as a good gluten-free substitute, maintaining the authenticity and depth of flavor.

Quick and Easy Meal Solution

One of the standout features of this dish is its speed and simplicity. From start to finish, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes. The quick marination, fast frying, and minimal ingredients make it an excellent choice for those who want flavor without fuss.

This recipe also lends itself well to meal prep. Cooked pork can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated gently. It makes a convenient protein addition to rice bowls, noodle dishes, or salads throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

Salt and Pepper Pork Chops shine when served over fluffy steamed rice, which helps soak up the flavorful oils and seasonings. Pair it with simple stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli for a balanced meal. A side of pickled cucumbers or a light Asian slaw can add refreshing crunch to the plate.

For a party or appetizer, serve these pork bites with dipping sauces such as a spicy mayo, soy-ginger, or hoisin-based sauce. They are also fantastic wrapped in lettuce leaves with some fresh herbs for a fresh, handheld snack.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish offers a satisfying balance of protein and fat, with a moderate carbohydrate content mainly from the cornstarch coating. The pork provides a high protein punch, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Though fried, using controlled oil amounts and quick frying keeps the fat levels reasonable.

The sodium content can be adjusted by moderating the salt in the seasoning mix or opting for low-sodium soy sauces or marinades. Garlic and jalapeños add not only flavor but also antioxidants and vitamins, boosting the dish’s nutritional profile.

Tips for Perfecting Your Salt and Pepper Pork Chops

To get the crispiest texture, make sure the pork pieces are patted dry before marinating. Excess moisture can prevent the cornstarch from adhering properly and cause the pork to steam rather than fry.

Maintain the oil temperature around medium-high to ensure even browning without burning the garlic or jalapeños. Remove these aromatics promptly once golden to avoid bitterness.

Experiment with different chili peppers if you want to adjust the heat level—milder peppers will add flavor without too much spice, while serranos or bird’s eye chilis offer more kick.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield extraordinary results. With their crispy coating, tender meat, and punchy garlic and jalapeño flavors, they bring a satisfying and authentic Chinese dining experience right to your home kitchen.

This recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels and versatile enough for quick dinners, casual meals, or entertaining guests. Whether served over rice or alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables, these pork chops are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy texture and bold seasoning any night of the week.