Hey there, foodies! Ever find yourself craving a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and doesn't derail your healthy eating goals? Well, get ready to meet your new best friend: these Zesty Teriyaki Pork Chops!
This isn't your average, sugar-laden teriyaki dish. Oh no, we're keeping things light, lean, and packed with flavor that'll have your taste buds singing. And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What's so great about these chops?
Let's be honest, we all love a meal that ticks all the boxes, and these teriyaki pork chops definitely deliver:
- Super Simple: A quick marinade, a little grill or oven time, and boom - dinner is served! The prep is so straightforward even your kids can join in.
- Good for you: Pork loin chops are naturally lean and protein-packed, so you can enjoy your meal knowing you're also fueling your body. This recipe uses no added sugars!
- Versatile: Serve these beauties with anything from fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, to a colourful Asian slaw. Your side dish options are endless!
The Secret Weapon: Our Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Forget those sugary store-bought sauces. We're creating our own teriyaki magic with a few simple ingredients:
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (or a no sugar version)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- A few grinds of fresh black pepper
Mix these together in a resealable bag, add your pork chops, and let the flavors infuse for about 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, in the fridge.
Grilling vs Baking: Your Choice!
Whether you're a grill master or prefer the simplicity of baking, this recipe has you covered:
For the Grill Gods:
- Grease your grill, get those coals hot, and place the marinated chops on.
- Cook for 8 minutes, baste with the remaining marinade, flip, and cook until the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.
For the Oven Enthusiasts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Pop the chops in a baking dish, pour half the marinade over, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip them, pour on the remaining marinade, and bake for another 15 minutes, ensuring the internal temp is 145°F (63°C).
- Want that beautiful crispy crust? Transfer them to a different baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes!
Side Dish Inspiration
Now, let's talk sides. These teriyaki pork chops are incredibly versatile, so let your imagination run wild! Here are some of our favorites:
- Steamed rice (brown or white)
- Stir-fried veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, bok choy)
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Asian slaw (cabbage, carrots, bell peppers with a sesame ginger or soy vinaigrette)
- Miso soup
- Sesame noodles
- Grilled veggies (zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus)
- Edamame
Drink it Up!
And to top it all off, here are a few drink pairing ideas:
- Sake (medium-dry or slightly sweet)
- Asian beers (Japanese lagers or Chinese pilsners)
- Light, fruity white wine (Riesling or Gewürztraminer)
- Dry or off-dry Rosé
- Iced Green tea
- Citrus infused water
- Ginger ale or ginger beer
Get the Recipe on Menuistia!
Want to make sure this recipe is a regular part of your meal plan? Head over to Menuistia and add it to your custom recipe collection. With Menuistia you can create your own healthy meal plans and find other great recipe ideas to keep your eating delicious and on track.
Zesty Teriyaki Pork Chops: The Recipe
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes minimum
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (or a no sugar version)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large boneless pork loin chops
Instructions:
- In a large resealable bag, combine canola oil, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Shake until combined.
- Add pork chops to the bag and coat with the marinade.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours).
- To grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from bag, reserving the marinade. Grill for 8 minutes, baste with marinade, and flip. Continue grilling until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place chops in a baking dish, pour half the marinade over, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip, pour over remaining marinade, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). For a crispy exterior, move to a different baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes.
- Rest chops for 3 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 307
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 1024mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 24g
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Ready to dive in? Share your teriyaki pork chop creations with us! And don't forget, for more great healthy recipe ideas and custom meal planning, download the Menuistia app! Happy cooking!