Skillet Teriyaki Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops glazed in a sweet, savory homemade teriyaki.

Photo byGwen Wren using Canva

This Skillet Teriyaki Pork Chops recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender pork chops with a homemade teriyaki sauce. The dish features a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, created from soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Cooking the pork chops in the same skillet used to caramelize the onions and build the sauce helps to develop rich, deep flavors while keeping the cleanup minimal. The result is a well-glazed, juicy chop that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a versatile option for a satisfying weeknight meal.

The homemade teriyaki sauce in this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable. Adjust the sweetness by using either honey or brown sugar, and add mirin for an authentic touch that enhances the dish's flavor. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, allowing it to coat the pork chops evenly as they simmer to perfection. This straightforward technique ensures the pork stays moist and tender, while the onions add a subtle caramelized depth to the sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe brings a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right to your table.

Skillet Teriyaki Pork Chops

Ingredients:

For the pork chops:

• 8 to 10 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the teriyaki sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (optional, for extra sweetness and depth)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 small onions, thinly sliced (or 1 large onion)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
2. • Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
   • In a large skillet (or two if needed), heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
4. • In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize. Stir occasionally.
5. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
6. • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
8. • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 4 tablespoons of water until smooth.
   • Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
9. Cook the Pork Chops in the Sauce:
10. • Return all the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the thickened teriyaki sauce and onions. Lower the heat to medium-low.
    • Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Spoon the sauce over the chops as they cook.
11. Finish and Serve:
12. • Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes.

Enjoy your Skillet Teriyaki Pork Chops! Serve with rice or noodles and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.