Tangy Baked Thai Pork Chops
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Tangy Baked Thai Pork Chops, featuring succulent pork loin chops enveloped in a sweet and spicy glaze. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and sweet Thai chili sauce creates a rich, tangy marinade that thickens beautifully as the chops bake, ensuring they remain juicy and tender. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare: simply brown the pork for flavor, pour over the sauce, and let the oven do the work. Serve with steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes and a side of fresh green vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin chops
1.5 lbs (4 large chops, trimmed of excess fat)
oil
1 tablespoon (for browning the pork)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (125 ml)
honey
3.5 tablespoons (50 ml)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (preferably Maille, 15 ml)
sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Baked Thai Pork Chops?
They are succulent pork loin chops baked in a sweet and spicy glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and Thai chili sauce.
What ingredients are in the glaze?
The glaze consists of chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, sweet Thai chili sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Do I need to sear the meat before baking?
Yes, browning the pork in a tablespoon of oil first helps lock in flavor and creates a better texture.
What side dishes go well with this pork?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh green vegetables.
Is the recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a very easy brown and bake recipe ideal for weeknight dinners.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, although the recipe specifies 1.5 lbs of pork loin chops, bone-in chops can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What makes the sauce tangy?
The combination of Dijon mustard and sweet Thai chili sauce provides the signature tangy flavor.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Browning them quickly and then baking them in the liquid-based sauce ensures they remain juicy and tender.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Dijon mustard, specifically the Maille brand if possible.
Can I use a honey substitute?
While honey provides the best texture for the glaze, you could potentially use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Is ground ginger essential?
Ground ginger adds a warm, spicy note characteristic of Thai cuisine, though fresh minced ginger could be used as a substitute.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 1/2 cup (125 ml) of chicken broth for the sauce base.
Is the sweet Thai chili sauce very spicy?
Sweet Thai chili sauce is generally mild to medium in heat, offering more sweetness than intense spice.
Can I use this sauce for other meats?
Yes, this tangy Thai glaze would also work well with chicken breasts or salmon.
How do I trim the pork chops?
You should trim any excess fat from the edges of the 4 large pork loin chops before cooking.
Does the sauce thicken in the oven?
Yes, the honey and mustard mixture thickens beautifully as the chops bake, creating a rich glaze.
How much oil is needed for browning?
You only need about 1 tablespoon of oil to brown the pork chops.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute if you don't have chicken broth on hand.
How many servings does 1.5 lbs of pork provide?
This usually serves about 4 people, assuming each chop is roughly 6 ounces.
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner because of its simple preparation steps.
Should I use coarse or fine pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of coarse black pepper for better texture and flavor.
Can I add salt to taste?
Yes, salt should be added to the recipe according to your personal preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and sweet Thai chili sauce are certified gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the glaze?
While possible, it's best to make the sauce fresh when you are ready to bake the pork.
What is the main cooking method?
This recipe utilizes a two-step method: stove-top browning followed by oven-baking.
Can I use light honey or dark honey?
Either will work, though clover or wildflower honey are common choices that won't overpower the other flavors.
Why is this called a Thai dish?
The inclusion of sweet Thai chili sauce and ginger gives the dish its Southeast Asian flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
You can add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or onions to bake alongside the pork if desired.
Should the pork chops be at room temperature before cooking?
Taking them out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before browning helps them cook more evenly.