Chinese Pork Chops are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for family gatherings. The marinade, which is a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice, not only flavors the pork but also serves as a basting sauce while grilling, adding layers of umami and sweetness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pork Chops:

• 6 boneless pork chops

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic powder.

2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
   Pierce the pork chops on both sides with a fork. Pour about ¾ of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag, reserving ¼ of it for basting. Add the pork chops to the bag, coat them with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Refrigerate and marinate for 6 to 8 hours.

3. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate.

4. Grill the Pork Chops:
   Remove the pork chops from the marinade, shake off the excess marinade, and discard the remaining marinade. Grill the pork chops for 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting often with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the pork is no longer pink in the center.

5. Serve:
   Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 183 kcal

• Total Fat: 6g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 48mg

• Sodium: 1235mg

• Carbohydrates: 11g

  • Sugar: 9g

• Protein: 20g

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 16mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Marinade: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Tangy

The key to this dish lies in the marinade. Combining soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder, this marinade hits all the right notes. The soy sauce brings that savory umami flavor, while the brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. The lemon juice provides a tangy kick that balances the richness of the pork, and the ginger and garlic powder round out the flavor profile with a hint of spice and warmth.

As the pork chops marinate, they absorb these vibrant flavors, making each bite tender and juicy. The marinade also works as a basting sauce when grilling, allowing the flavors to be locked in while the pork cooks, ensuring a perfectly seasoned dish with every turn.

Marinating the Pork Chops: Enhancing Tenderness and Flavor

To achieve maximum flavor, marinate the pork chops for 6 to 8 hours. Piercing the pork chops with a fork before marinating allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, infusing it with all of the aromatic ingredients. By using a resealable plastic bag, the pork chops can easily be coated with the marinade, and squeezing out the excess air helps to ensure that the marinade comes into direct contact with every surface of the meat.

It’s important to reserve a portion of the marinade for basting during grilling, which will not only enhance the flavor but also keep the pork chops moist and tender. Make sure to discard the leftover marinade that’s come into contact with the raw pork to avoid any contamination.

Grilling the Pork Chops: Achieving the Perfect Cook

Grilling the marinated pork chops is the final step in this simple yet delicious recipe. Preheating the grill to high heat ensures that the pork chops sear on the outside, locking in the juices and creating a delicious, slightly crispy exterior. Grill the pork chops for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, basting them often with the reserved marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.

It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they’re cooked through without overcooking. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a safe, juicy, and perfectly cooked result. Using a meat thermometer will help ensure that your pork chops are cooked to perfection without drying out.

Resting the Pork Chops: Allowing the Juices to Redistribute

Once the pork chops are grilled to the desired doneness, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting the pork allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. This brief rest also prevents the juices from running out when you cut into the pork, ensuring that every bite is juicy and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions: A Complete Meal

Chinese Pork Chops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them a versatile main course for any meal. Serve them with steamed rice or fried rice to complement the rich flavors of the pork and the marinade. The rice will soak up any extra sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.

For a well-rounded meal, consider adding some vegetables such as stir-fried bok choy, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans. A fresh cucumber salad or a light Asian-style slaw would also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty, Balanced Meal

Each serving of Chinese Pork Chops contains approximately 183 calories, making them a relatively lean choice for a grilled meat dish. With 20g of protein per serving, the pork chops provide a satisfying and filling meal. The dish contains 6g of fat, including 2g of saturated fat, which is a moderate amount for a main course. The carbohydrates come primarily from the brown sugar in the marinade (9g per serving), adding a touch of sweetness without being overly sugary.

The pork chops are also a good source of potassium (615mg per serving), which helps support heart health, and iron (1mg per serving), essential for oxygen transport. The addition of lemon juice provides some vitamin C (2mg per serving), and the sodium content is 1235mg, which is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Simple Dish for Any Occasion

Chinese Pork Chops are an easy yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors from the marinade, along with the smoky char from the grill, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. The quick marinade and grilling process make it a great option for weeknight dinners, and the recipe is versatile enough to serve for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

With minimal ingredients and effort, Chinese Pork Chops are a guaranteed hit that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something delicious and well-seasoned.