Savory Salt
Scallion Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Crispy, caramelized pan-fried pork chops topped with a fragrant, savory mixture of garlic and fresh green scallions for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1 bunch green scallions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

1. 1Tenderize the pork chops

   

   Use a large kitchen knife to gently pound and tenderize both sides of the raw pork chops. This breaks down the muscle fibers, helping the meat absorb marinades more effectively and ensuring a tender texture when pan-fried.

   Tip: Be careful not to cut through the meat; use the flat side or back edge of the knife to pound evenly.
2. 2Marinate the pork chops

   

   Place the tenderized pork chops into a stainless steel tray and pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, a sprinkle of cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings build a savory base and lock in the moisture of the meat.

   Tip: Adding cornstarch creates a protective coating that keeps the pork juicy and tender during cooking.
3. 3Coat the pork evenly

   

   Wearing food-safe gloves, massage the marinade into the pork chops by hand. Rub the liquid and seasonings thoroughly across every surface of the meat to guarantee even flavor distribution.

   Tip: Massage gently for about a minute to help the meat absorb the seasonings faster.
4. 4Chop the green scallions

   

   Gather fresh green scallions and use a sharp chefs knife to slice them finely on a wooden cutting board. These scallions will form the aromatic foundation of the sauce.

   Tip: Keep your fingers curled inward while chopping for safety and to achieve uniform small pieces.
5. 5Mince the garlic

   

   Take peeled garlic cloves and mince them finely on the wooden cutting board using a sharp knife. Fine mincing allows the garlic flavor to release fully and blend smoothly into the seasoning mixture.

   Tip: Crush the garlic cloves slightly with the flat side of the knife first to make peeling and mincing easier.
6. 6Mix the sauce ingredients

   

   Transfer the chopped scallions and minced garlic into a small wooden bowl, then add white sesame seeds, sugar, salt, black pepper, and a splash of sesame oil. These ingredients combine to create the signature savory-sweet scallion sauce.

   Tip: Mix the dry seasonings thoroughly with the oil and aromatics before applying them to the meat.
7. 7Pan-fry the pork chops

   

   Pour cooking oil into a hot pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Carefully place the marinated pork chops into the hot pan to start frying them.

   Tip: Make sure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the meat to achieve a nice sear.
8. 8Flip the pork chops

   

   Use a pair of kitchen tongs to carefully lift and flip the pork chops over. The bottom side should have developed a rich, caramelized brown crust.

   Tip: Flip only once the meat releases easily from the pan to avoid tearing the crust.
9. 9Slice the pork chops

   

   Carefully remove the caramelized pork chops from the pan and place them onto a wooden cutting boardcite: 1. Use a sharp knife to slice the pork chops into clean, even stripscite: 1.

   Tip: Let the meat rest for a brief moment before slicing to keep it juicy.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions