Sweet and Spicy Vietnamese Pork Chops
Unlock the flavors of Vietnam with these delectable pork chops, expertly marinated with a delightful blend of sweet and savory spices. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the natural tenderness of the pork while the crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick. Pair these chops with fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices, and garnished with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these pork chops are sure to impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless center cut pork chops
4 (about 1/2 inch thick)
cooking spray
as needed (for coating the skillet)
sliced green onion
to taste (optional, for garnish)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
paprika
2 teaspoons (smoked or sweet)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (freshly ground, if possible)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (or more, depending on heat preference)
minced ginger
1 tablespoon (fresh)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
Begin by lightly scoring a diamond pattern on both sides of the pork chops. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively.
2
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, ground coriander, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, minced ginger, and minced garlic to create a flavorful rub.
3
Generously apply the rub to the scored pork chops, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Let the chops rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat the pan with cooking spray.
5
Add the marinated pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat is nicely browned.
6
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
12g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Sweet and Spicy Vietnamese Pork Chops.
What are the primary flavors of these pork chops?
The dish features a blend of sweet and savory spices with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes.
How should I prepare the surface of the pork chops before seasoning?
You should lightly score a diamond pattern on both sides of the pork chops to help the marinade penetrate better.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The rub consists of brown sugar, paprika, ground coriander, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
How long should the pork chops rest after applying the rub?
Let the chops rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the skillet?
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
How long do the pork chops need to cook?
Cook them for approximately 4 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the pork chops?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
Boneless center cut pork chops about 1/2 inch thick are recommended.
Is there a specific garnish suggested?
Yes, sliced green onions are suggested for a pop of color and flavor.
What side dish pairs well with these pork chops?
Fluffy rice is recommended to soak up the delicious juices.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the pork chops?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 5g of sugar per serving.
What type of paprika should I use?
You can use either smoked or sweet paprika.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray before cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients.
How much salt is used in the rub?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the role of the brown sugar in this recipe?
The brown sugar caramelizes during cooking, enhancing the tenderness and flavor of the pork.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground coriander.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a weeknight meal.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.25g per serving.
Should the pork chops rest after cooking?
Yes, let the pork chops rest for a couple of minutes after removing them from the skillet.
Can these be prepared on a grill?
Yes, 'grilled pork' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What style of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Vietnamese cuisine.