Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner? Look no further than these tender, saucy pork chops with onions! This easy Chinese-inspired recipe delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. Imagine juicy pork chops swimming in a rich, savory sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet caramelized onions – a delightful combination that's sure to become a family favorite. The simple ingredients and straightforward technique make this dish accessible to even novice cooks.
This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor through a careful balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes. From the initial searing of the pork chops to the final simmering in the luscious sauce, each step contributes to the dish's overall deliciousness. Ready to transform ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Meat mallet or knife
- Large bowl
- Wok or non-stick pan
- Lid
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Rice wine
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Water: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Chops
- Cut pork chops without the bone (or remove bones if using bone-in chops). Pound them with a meat mallet or the back of a knife to tenderize, making little slits along the edges to prevent curling.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Marinate with rice wine, soy sauce, and oyster sauce for about 20 seconds, ensuring even distribution.
- Coat pork chops with cornstarch, letting it absorb for a minute or two.
Step 2. Cook the Pork Chops and Onions
- Heat oil in a wok or non-stick pan. Pan-fry pork chops until golden brown on both sides.
- Using the residual oil, sauté the sliced onions until translucent and slightly browned (about 5 minutes).
- Season the onions with salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water to create a sauce base. Return the pork chops to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.
Step 3. Prepare the Side Dish
- Prepare your side dish (e.g., blanched asparagus).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the saucy pork chops with rice or noodles and your prepared side dish.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Pounding the pork chops from different directions ensures even tenderizing.
- Making slits along the fat prevents the meat from curling up during pan-frying.
- The cornstarch coating keeps the meat tender.
- Letting the cornstarch absorb before pan-frying prevents a powdery texture.
- Even if you're not comfortable with pan-frying, the sauce will finish cooking the pork chops.
- The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar creates a refreshing and not-too-greasy sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies
- Fat: variesg
- Carbs: variesg
- Protein: variesg
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.
2. What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are good substitutes for soy sauce if you need a gluten-free option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use a spicier type of chili garlic sauce.
This easy recipe for tender saucy pork chops with onions is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner. The combination of juicy pork and flavorful sauce makes for a truly satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy this delicious and simple dish!