Savory San Francisco-Style Pork Chops
Indulge in a culinary journey with these Savory San Francisco-Style Pork Chops. This delightful dish features pork chops marinated in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce that balances the umami of soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar, accented by a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes. The succulent pork is cooked to perfection, simmered slowly for a tender finish, and served with a glossy sauce that will have you and your guests craving more. Pair these chops with fluffy rice and your favorite cooked vegetables for a satisfying meal that's both elegant and comforting.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork chops
1 1/2 lbs ( trimmed and seasoned)
oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
oil
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
beef broth or sherry wine
1/4 cup (liquid)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (liquid)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
water
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for sauce thickening)
Instructions
1
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and brown them on both sides until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil, beef broth or sherry wine, brown sugar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
Once the pork chops are browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chops.
4
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the chops to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the sauce begins to reduce too much.
5
Carefully turn the chops once during cooking to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
6
After 30 minutes, transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and keep warm.
7
In the same skillet, stir in the cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Once thickened, pour the sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately. Enjoy with rice and steamed vegetables!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory San Francisco-Style Pork Chops?
They are pork chops marinated and simmered in a sweet-and-savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
How much pork is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of pork chops, trimmed and seasoned.
How long should I brown the pork chops?
Brown the pork chops for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for the savory sauce?
The sauce includes oil, beef broth or sherry wine, brown sugar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Can I substitute beef broth with something else?
Yes, you can use sherry wine instead of beef broth for the liquid component of the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but this ingredient is optional.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet once the pork chops have been browned, just before pouring the sauce over them.
How long should the pork chops simmer?
The pork chops should simmer covered on low heat for 30 minutes.
How do I prevent the sauce from reducing too much?
If the sauce reduces too quickly during simmering, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
Should I turn the pork chops while they simmer?
Yes, carefully turn the chops once during the 30-minute simmering process to ensure they are evenly coated.
How is the sauce thickened at the end?
The sauce is thickened by stirring in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
What should I serve with these pork chops?
They are best served with fluffy rice and steamed or cooked vegetables.
What is the heat setting for browning the meat?
Use medium-high heat to brown the pork chops initially.
What is the heat setting for simmering?
Reduce the heat to low for the 30-minute simmering stage.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
Use 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pan meal as the chops and sauce are prepared in the same skillet.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper to taste is recommended.
Do I need to keep the pork chops warm after cooking?
Yes, transfer the chops to a platter and keep them warm while you thicken the sauce.
What texture should the pork have?
The pork should be tender and succulent after simmering.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of oil should I use for browning?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil for the initial browning process.
Is there oil in the sauce itself?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of oil are whisked into the sauce mixture.
What is the final step before serving?
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately.
Can I omit the crushed red pepper flakes?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional if you prefer no heat.
How much water is needed for the cornstarch slurry?
You need 2 tablespoons of water to mix with the cornstarch.
What makes the sauce glossy?
The combination of the sugar, soy sauce, and the cornstarch thickening process creates a glossy finish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasoning and thickening agents.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The primary flavors are umami, sweet, and savory with a hint of garlic and spice.