How to Cook Juicy, Tender Pork Chops with Ah So Sauce

Pork chops are a quick and easy dinner staple that can sometimes get a bad rap for being dry and flavorless. But with the right prep and cooking techniques, pork chops can be juicy, tender and bursting with flavor. The key is keeping them moist and enhancing their flavor with a sweet and tangy homemade ah so sauce.

If you’re looking for an easy way to add major flavor to your pork chops, then this ah so sauce recipe is for you. This Chinese-inspired sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and sour that pairs perfectly with the richness of pork. With just a few simple ingredients like ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, and honey, you can whip up this flavor-packed sauce in minutes.

We’ll walk through everything you need to know to make perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops smothered in an irresistible ah so glaze. Follow these simple steps and tips for ah so sauce pork chops that your family will be begging for every week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make delicious ah so sauce pork chops, you’ll need:

• Bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 2 chops per person)
• Ah so sauce ingredients:
  • Ketchup
  • Soy sauce
  • Sherry (or rice wine vinegar)
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Ginger powder
  • Cornstarch
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Vegetable or canola oil for pan-searing

Making the sauce only takes 10 minutes with pantry staples. The sweet flavors of the honey and brown sugar balance out the salty soy sauce and vinegar A sprinkle of garlic powder and ginger adds a layer of aromatic flavor And the cornstarch thickens up the sauce so it beautifully coats each juicy bite of pork.

Prep the Pork Chops for Maximum Juiciness

To prevent dry pork chops, it’s important to prep the meat properly before cooking. Here are some tips:

• Trim excess fat Use a sharp knife to trim off any large pieces of fat around the edges of the chops, Some fat is good but too much can cause shrinkage

• Pat dry: Blot the pork chops with paper towels right before cooking. This helps achieve a better sear.

• Season generously Rub salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs into the chops. Creating a seasoned crust is key for flavor

• Bring to room temp: Take chilled pork chops out of the fridge at least 15-30 minutes before cooking so they cook more evenly.

• Consider brining: Soaking chops in a saltwater brine infuses flavor and helps them retain moisture.

With these prep tips, your pork chops will be perfectly tender and juicy every time.

Sear and Cook the Pork Chops to Perfection

To get that beautiful brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy, here are some tips for searing and cooking pork chops:

• Use a hot pan: Heat your skillet or pan over medium-high heat until very hot. The high heat will give you a better sear.

• Pat chops dry: Make sure chops are blotted dry before adding to the hot pan so you get an instant sear. Wet chops may steam instead.

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook chops in batches if needed so they properly sear and don’t stew.

• Sear both sides: Cook chops on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. You want a dark golden crust.

• Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Pull chops at 145°F for juicy pork.

• Rest before slicing: Let chops sit for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.

By following these simple steps, your pork chops will have the perfect crispy exterior while staying tender and moist inside.

Make the Sweet and Tangy Ah So Sauce

This easy ah so sauce only requires whisking together all the ingredients in a small saucepan:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, sherry, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder and cornstarch.

• Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes.

• Remove from heat and set aside.

The sauce will thicken up nicely as it cooks. The cornstarch helps give it that velvety texture that coats the pork chops beautifully.

Feel free to adjust any ingredients to taste. Add more honey and brown sugar if you like it extra sweet or more soy sauce and vinegar if you prefer a saltier, tangier flavor.

Put It All Together for Ah So Sauce Pork Chops

Now that the pork chops are cooked and the flavorful sauce is ready, it’s time to put them together:

• Sear the seasoned pork chops in a hot pan until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Transfer chops to a baking dish and cover with 1⁄2 of the ah so sauce.

• Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until chops are cooked through.

• Remove chops from oven, top with remaining ah so sauce and broil 3-5 minutes until lightly charred.

• Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving.

The sauce caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, forming an irresistible sticky glaze on the juicy pork chops.

For extra flavor, you can also marinate the chops in some of the ah so sauce for 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking. Just save some sauce to finish cooking the chops.

Serving Suggestions

These saucy pork chops pair well with a variety of sides:

• White or brown rice
• Roasted potatoes or veggies
• Egg noodles or pasta
• A fresh green salad

The slight char and sweet glaze is also delicious with grilled pineapple slices or other fruits.

You could also serve the chops over egg fried rice, letting the sauce drizzle over top.

However you choose to serve them, these ah so sauce pork chops make for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. The tender, juicy pork with the sweet and tangy glaze is an amazing combination that I know your family will love.

Give this easy ah so sauce recipe a try the next time you cook up a batch of pork chops. Trust me, the homemade sauce is worth the minimal effort and takes this dinner to the next level. Just be prepared for everyone to beg for seconds!