Get ready to elevate your dinner game with my Soy Sauce Marinated Pork Chops! These juicy pork chops are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices, making them a delicious fuss-free option for your next meal. With my fail-proof marinating process and easy baking technique, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for a fast meal!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore my Soy Sauce Marinated Pork Chops for several reasons. First, it’s a fail-proof recipe that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when I crave something delicious but don’t have much time!
Crafted in my kitchen, this recipe infuses Asian-inspired flavors into tender pork chops, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The secret lies in the marinade, inspired by my favorite Japanese Fried Chicken and Baked Soy Sauce Chicken recipes. This simple step not only acts as a brine to tenderize the meat but also imparts all the bold flavors needed for a mouthwatering dish!
Plus, all the ingredients are affordable and readily available at a local grocery store, making it accessible to anyone eager to try it out! Once marinated, the pork chops are baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in a main course that’s bursting with savory garlic soy sauce goodness, with a subtle touch of spiciness!
This recipe is for anyone seeking an effortless yet flavorful Asian-inspired pork chop dish that’s sure to impress without the hassle! So, whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, I encourage you to give my recipe a try and experience the joy of creating a delicious meal with minimal effort! And who doesn’t want that!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Pork Chops – boneless and between 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.Â
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Garlic –Â fresh and grated with a grater or garlic press.
- Ginger – fresh and sliced.
- Cayenne Pepper – ground in a bottle.
- Salt –Â sea salt preferred.
🥓 Pork Chop Note
When selecting pork chops for this recipe, opt for Top Loin Boneless Thin Cuts, ideally no thicker than 1/2 to 1 inch. Thinner chops are preferable as they marinate and cook more quickly, allowing the flavors to permeate evenly and yielding tender, juicy results. These cuts are commonly found at supermarkets. If thicker chops are all you have, use a meat tenderizer to achieve the desired thickness.
Directions
Step 1 Start by whisking together Japanese sake, soy sauce, sweetener, grated garlic, sliced ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and pork chops in a mixing bowl or ziplock freezer bag. Allow the pork chops to marinate in the fridge for 8-12 hours.
Step 2 Next, bake the pork chops along with ginger slices at 350F for 15-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145F. The time will depend on how thick the pork chops are. Discard the leftover marinade.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
To ensure optimal doneness, cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. It’s crucial to avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry and tough meat. Therefore, I recommend checking the temperature regularly throughout the cooking process to prevent overdone pork chops.
💡 Pro Tip
Allow the pork chops to Rest for a Few Minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite with each slice.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair these baked pork chops with a light Asian-style vegetable dish like my Garlic Spinach Stir Fry or Japanese Style Roasted Garlic Bulb. For a soup, opt for something like a comforting Tofu Miso Soup or my Egg Drop Miso Soup served along side your choice of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these pork chops instead?
Yes, you can grill these pork chops for a delightful twist! Just preheat your grill to medium heat, then cook the chops covered for approximately 12-20 minutes, adjusting the timing according to their thickness. Grilling infuses a delicious smoky flavor and imparts beautiful grill marks, elevating the taste of these already flavorful pork chops.
Can these pork chops be meal prepped?
Yes, these pork chops can definitely be meal prepped! After completing the marinating process, just place them in the freezer along with the marinade. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the bag in a warm water bath and cook them following the instructions provided in this recipe. It's a convenient way to have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it!
What type of soy sauce works best for this recipe?
For this recipe, any Japanese-style soy sauce will work well. I personally prefer using the low-sodium variation, but you can also opt for regular sodium soy sauce.
Storage Tips
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Watch How To Make It
Soy Sauce Marinated Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Boneless Pork Top Loin 1-inch thick
- 1/4 Cup Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 3 Garlic
- 1/2 Inch Ginger
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper ground
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Green Onion optional
- Red Pepper optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Grate garlic with a grinder or garlic press and julienne slice ginger.
- In a mixing bowl or a ziplock bag, combine Japanese sake, water, soy sauce, sweetener, grated garlic, julienne sliced ginger, ground cayenne pepper, salt and pork chops. Marinate in the fridge for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Transfer marinated pork chops along with sliced ginger to a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper and bake at 350F for 15-25 minutes until internal temp reaches 145F. Serve on a serving plate and top with optional green onions and red pepper.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving