Description
Sweet, spicy, and spiked with sake, these boneless pork chops are bathed in a rich Mandarin sauce, making them perfect for a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. or 1/2 kilo of thick boneless pork filets or chops
- 3/4 cup or 200 ml. fresh squeezed Mandarin juice (used 4 small)
- 14 cup Sake
- Mandarin zest from 1/2 a Mandarin
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1/8ths
- 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1 tsp. ground ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne
- 1/8 tsp. ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp. granulated garlic
- 3 whole cloves
- 8 whole allspice, bruised
- 1 tsp. red chile flakes
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- optional: dried figs cut in half
Instructions
- Peel and cut the onion into eighths, then set aside.
- Juice the fresh Mandarins until you have 3/4 cup of juice. Do not strain the pulp, as it will be used in the sauce.
- Remove all visible fat from the pork, pat dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Pour in the Mandarin juice, Sake, and add the Mandarin zest. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, turning the pork halfway through, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the pork is cooked through.
- If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pork for a spicy kick. Serve immediately, spooning the sauce and onions over the pork.
Notes
This dish can also be made with chicken breast or turkey for those who do not eat pork. The sauce pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 75