Bold Japanese-Style Pork Chops in Slow Cooker
What Started it all:
Pork Chops, Pea, cereal, slow cooker
Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this bold Japanese-style pork chops recipe. Infused with the umami goodness of traditional Japanese seasonings and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is both hearty and comforting. Let's dive in!
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of cereal (use a plain variety like cornflakes for a crunchy topping)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Peas: About 30 minutes before the pork chops are done, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. About 15 minutes before serving, add the slurry to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Prepare the Cereal Topping: Crush the cereal (cornflakes) slightly and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Plate the pork chops and spoon the peas and sauce over them. Sprinkle the toasted cereal on top for an added crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
This Japanese-style pork chop dish is a true testament to bold and flavorful cooking. The tender meat, combined with the rich and savory sauce, crunchy cereal topping, and fresh peas, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Enjoy your culinary journey!