These soy and honey glazed pork chops bring Asian-inspired flavors to the table, creating a delicious sweet and umami-packed dish.

I am a sucker when it comes to any sort of Asian-inspired food with a sweet and salty combination. Put soy sauce and a sweetener together and you just KNOW that you are in for a good time.

This recipe came to me while watching an old BBC Food show, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I have often cooked sticky pork ribs with this flavor combination, and I got stuck on the idea of trying something similar with pork chops instead of ribs. I ran to my grocery store, picked up some thick-cut ‘chops, and got to work.

The result? All my favorite flavors in one easy-to-make dish.

Yam Soup with Coconut Milk and Saffron

How to Make Soy and Honey Glazed Pork Chops

Preparation:

Marinade the Pork Chops:
- In a large ziplock bag, combine 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger. Seal the bag and shake well to mix.
- Add the 4 pork chops to the bag, seal, and shake again to coat the pork chops evenly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Cooking:

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Sear the Pork Chops:
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Bake the Pork Chops:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the pork chops for 6-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook to avoid drying out the meat.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the pork chops are baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot.
- Bring the marinade to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Serving:

Serve the Pork Chops:
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the pork chops over rice, drizzling plenty of the thickened glaze over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds if desired.

Recipe Notes:

Marinating Time: Marinate the pork chops for at least 20-30 minutes, but you can marinate them for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
Cooking Time: The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
Serving Suggestions: These pork chops pair well with steamed rice or quinoa and a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.