These Honey Sriracha Pork Chops are a tasty blend of sweet and spicy! The honey adds a lovely glaze while the Sriracha gives it a nice kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! I love serving these with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s an easy meal that feels special—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness, but boneless ones work too. You can also substitute with chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer a lighter option.
Honey: This adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes.
Sriracha: If you’re sensitive to spice, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of sriracha. Chili garlic sauce is another tasty alternative.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos. They’re great substitutes that still provide a nice umami flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon for each clove).
Ginger: If fresh ginger isn’t available, ground ginger is a decent substitute. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every teaspoon of fresh ginger.
How Do I Properly Sear Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops is key to locking in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil until it shimmers, but isn’t smoking.
- Place the pork chops in the skillet, making sure not to crowd the pan. This helps them get a good sear.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them around, until they’re golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side.
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through (145°F or 63°C).
Taking the time to properly sear your pork chops will make all the difference in your dish!
How to Make Honey Sriracha Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be spending about 30 minutes from start to finish, resulting in delicious and flavorful honey sriracha pork chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is really important to enhance the flavor of the meat!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well mixed so that the flavors combine nicely.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C—so use a meat thermometer if you have one!
4. Add the Sauce:
After the pork chops are cooked, pour the honey sriracha sauce over them in the skillet. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. Turn the chops occasionally to coat them evenly in that sticky, delicious sauce, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Serve:
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the tops of the chops, and garnish with the chopped green onions for that fresh crunch!
6. Enjoy:
Serve the honey sriracha pork chops hot with your favorite sides, like rice or steamed vegetables. They’re tasty and bursting with flavor—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work perfectly in this recipe! Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts typically cook faster. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
What If I Want to Reduce the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of sriracha sauce to 2 tablespoons or replace it with a sweet chili sauce for a gentler heat. Adding extra honey can also help balance out the heat!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops in the honey sriracha sauce for 30 minutes to a few hours can enhance the flavor. Just keep in mind to adjust the salt to taste after marinating, since the soy sauce adds sodium.
