Teriyaki Pork Chops Recipe

A teriyaki marinade and sauce is a great way to prepare flavorful and delicious pork chops. This teriyaki pork chops recipe calls for very few ingredients — most of which you’ll have on hand if you like to cook Asian food.

What you’ll love about these teriyaki pork chops

They’re easy, healthy, and versatile.

• Easy: The prep involves mixing a quick marinade. You’ll bathe the chops in that marinade for 30 minutes, then grill them. You can also bake them if the weather isn’t right for grilling.
• Healthy: Pork loin chops are naturally lean and low in calories. Pork chops are also a good source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. The marinade has no added sugar, too.
• Versatile: Serve them with steamed rice, microwaved cauliflower rice, Asian slaw, and more. See more side dish ideas below!

Ingredients for teriyaki pork chops

The marinade is a quick, homemade teriyaki-inspired sauce. It’s made from canola oil, soy sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, a minced garlic clove, and ground black pepper.

Three-step prep for teriyaki pork chops

Here’s how to make a quick meal from pork loin chops.

Start by making your marinade. Simply mix these ingredients in a gallon-size resealable bag:

• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 minced garlic clove
• A couple turns of fresh ground black pepper

Seal the bag and shake up the marinade until it’s well combined. Toss your pork chops in the bag, give it a shake, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for 30 minutes or more.

The third and final step is cooking your chops. You have two options: grill them or bake them. I was going to grill them, as I love a good grilled chop. But alas, it turned out to be a cold evening, so I changed course and baked them.

To grill, grease your grill racks, heat up your coals, and place the marinated chops on the hot grill. Save the extra marinade. Cook the chops with the grill lid closed for 8 minutes. Baste them with extra marinade, then flip. Continue grilling until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C. Remove from heat, rest for 3 minutes, then serve.

To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F or 177°C. Place the chops in a baking dish and pour half of the marinade on top. Bake for 15 minutes in the hot oven, flip, and pour on the rest of the marinade. Bake for another 15 minutes. Verify the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.

If you’d like a crispy exterior, move the chops to a different baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes. (Using the same baking sheet will leave you with a tough, burned mess of marinade to clean up.) Rest for 3 minutes and serve.

What to serve with teriyaki pork chops

These side dishes pair nicely with the sweet, smokiness of teriyaki pork chops:

1. Steamed Rice: A classic choice, steamed white or brown rice pairs well with teriyaki flavors. It helps absorb the savory teriyaki sauce and complements the tender pork chops.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Sautéed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy bring freshness and vibrant colors to the plate. The crisp texture of the veggies provides a nice contrast to the tender pork chops.
3. Grilled Pineapple: Grilling pineapple slices alongside the pork chops adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flair to the meal. The juicy, caramelized pineapple complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
4. Asian Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing like sesame ginger or soy vinaigrette adds a bright and flavorful element to the plate.
5. Miso Soup: A comforting bowl of miso soup made with broth, tofu, seaweed, and scallions provides a light and savory accompaniment to the teriyaki pork chops.
6. Sesame Noodles: Serve cold sesame noodles tossed with a flavorful sesame dressing. These noodles add a touch of richness and act as a satisfying and filling side dish.
7. Grilled Vegetables: If you have the grill on already, cook an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and asparagus alongside the pork chops. The smoky flavor and charred edges enhance the overall meal experience.
8. Edamame: Steam or boil some edamame, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and serve them as a nutritious and protein-packed side dish. They make for a light and satisfying addition to the plate.

Drink pairings for teriyaki pork chops

Round out your pork chop meal with a perfectly complementary beverage. Here are some ideas:

1. Sake: Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is an excellent choice to accompany teriyaki flavors. Opt for a medium-dry or slightly sweet sake, such as a junmai or honjozo, to complement the savory and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce.
2. Asian Beers: Crisp and light Asian beers like Japanese lagers (e.g., Asahi, Sapporo) or Chinese pilsners can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of teriyaki pork chops. Their clean and slightly malty profiles can help cleanse the palate between bites.
3. White Wine: A light and fruity white wine, such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can work well with teriyaki pork chops. These wines offer a touch of sweetness that complements the sauce while cutting through the richness of the dish.
4. Rosé Wine: A dry or off-dry rosé can be a versatile option, offering a balance of fruitiness and acidity. Look for a rosé with red berry or citrus notes to add a refreshing element to the meal.
5. Iced Green Tea: A classic and healthful choice, iced green tea provides a clean and soothing accompaniment to teriyaki pork chops. Its mild grassy flavors can help cleanse the palate and complement the Asian-inspired dish.
6. Citrus Infused Water: For a non-alcoholic option, infuse water with slices of fresh citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange. The citrus flavors add brightness and a hint of acidity to the meal.
7. Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: The zesty and spicy notes of ginger ale or ginger beer can be a delightful pairing with teriyaki pork chops. The ginger’s heat and effervescence can cut through the richness of the dish and offer a refreshing contrast.

Adapted from Budget Gourmet Mom.

More teriyaki recipes to try

If you love these chops, experiment with these fun teriyaki flavors:

You can also try a few of our popular pork loin chop recipes!

Teriyaki pork chops FAQs