Authentic Chinese Red-Cooked Pork Chops
Experience the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with these tender and juicy red-cooked pork chops. The term 'red-cooked' refers to a traditional Chinese cooking method, where the meat is marinated in a blend of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic spices, giving the pork a beautiful reddish hue and deep flavor. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner, served with steamed rice and vegetables. Marinate for 2-4 hours to allow the chop to absorb all the delicious flavors, ensuring a mouthwatering meal that will impress family and friends.
4
Servings
230
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork chops
4 (about 3/4 inch thick)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
five-spice powder
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
2
Add the pork chops to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag. Place in the refrigerator and let marinate for 2 to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
3
After marination, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for direct heat.
4
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade.
5
If baking: Place the chops in a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
6
If grilling: Place the chops on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking for even grilling.
7
Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
15g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Chinese Red-Cooked Pork Chops?
They are tender pork chops prepared using a traditional Chinese 'red-cooking' method, which involves marinating the meat in a savory and sweet sauce to create a deep reddish hue and rich flavor.
What does 'red-cooked' mean?
Red-cooking is a Chinese cooking technique where meat is braised or marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and sugar, which caramelizes to give the food a characteristic red color.
How long should I marinate the pork chops?
For the best flavor absorption, marinate the pork chops for 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 boneless pork chops, approximately 3/4 inch thick.
Can I bake these pork chops?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I grill these pork chops?
Yes, you can grill them over direct heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 8 grams of fat.
What is five-spice powder?
Five-spice powder is a traditional Chinese spice blend typically containing star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
What should I serve with red-cooked pork chops?
These pork chops are perfect when served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
Should I discard the marinade after use?
Yes, you should discard the leftover marinade once the pork chops are removed for cooking.
Do I need to let the meat rest?
Yes, letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep them juicy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, though cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
The fresh ginger should be grated before adding it to the marinade.
Is hoisin sauce necessary?
Hoisin sauce adds essential sweetness and depth to the 'red-cooked' flavor profile.
Can I marinate the meat for more than 4 hours?
While 2-4 hours is recommended, you can marinate them longer in the fridge for even deeper flavor.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What does sesame oil add to the dish?
Sesame oil provides a rich, nutty aroma and flavor common in Chinese cuisine.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and sweet. If you prefer spice, you would need to add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the marinated pork chops?
Yes, you can freeze the pork chops in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What gives the pork its reddish color?
The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar caramelizing during the cooking process creates the reddish hue.
Is Worcestershire sauce traditional in Chinese cooking?
While not strictly traditional for all regions, it is often used in modern interpretations for its complex savory notes.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works excellently with chicken thighs or sliced beef.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.