Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice

Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional pork chop recipes, incorporating Asian-inspired flavors like ginger and curry powder. The combination of sweet and savory elements in the glaze adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

6 boneless top loin pork chops, 0.75 inch thick (1-0.5 to 2 lb (907 g))
1.5 tsp salt, divided
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
0.13 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp butter or margarine, divided
3 tbsp pear preserves
0.25 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups water
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp curry powder

How to prepare

Season the chops with 0.5 tsp of salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Cook the chops in 1 tbsp of butter in a 10-inch skillet for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Add 2 tbsp of water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Combine pear preserves and almonds with 2 tbsp of water. Stir the mixture into the pan juices and spoon it over the chops to glaze.
Meanwhile, in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, combine the rice, water, ginger, curry powder, remaining 1 tsp of salt, and remaining 1 tbsp of butter.
Bring the mixture to a boil and stir it once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (20 to 25 minutes for parboiled rice) or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Serve the chops and glaze over beds of hot ginger rice.
Garnish with almonds, candied fruit, and additional pear preserves, if desired.

Variations

Substitute the pear preserves with apricot or peach preserves for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, in place of almonds for a unique twist.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the ginger rice for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the pork chops well before cooking to enhance their flavor.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the glaze will bring out their nutty taste and add a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the pork chops, as they can become tough and dry. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the pork chops in a hot skillet before finishing them in the oven will help to lock in their juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Stirring the rice occasionally while it simmers will help to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pear preserves, you can use apple or cherry preserves as a substitute.

- For a lower-fat option, you can use olive oil in place of butter for cooking the pork chops and rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the glaze and marinate the pork chops in advance to save time on the day of cooking. Simply store the marinated pork chops in the refrigerator until ready to cook, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the glazed pork chops on a platter with a bed of ginger rice and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle any remaining glaze over the dish for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Consider serving it with a side of sautéed green beans or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal. For drinks, try pairing it with a glass of Chardonnay or a sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until heated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The ginger rice in this recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 30 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy to the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Each serving of Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice contains about 15 grams of fat, primarily from the pork chops and butter used in the recipe. While fats are high in calories, they are also necessary for absorbing certain vitamins and providing flavor to dishes.

Proteins

Pork chops are a rich source of protein, with each serving of this dish containing approximately 30 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

The ginger rice in this recipe provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system, metabolism, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, which are a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds or substitute them with another type of nut or seed.

Summary

Overall, Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of pork chops with a sweet and tangy glaze. The ginger rice adds a unique and aromatic twist to the meal, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or gathering. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a well-rounded option for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a cold and rainy day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that I found tucked away in a dusty corner of a second-hand store. The cover was faded and the pages were yellowed with age, but as soon as I saw the recipe for Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice, I knew I had to try it.

I brought the cookbook home and set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need. The recipe called for thick-cut pork chops, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and rice. As I chopped and stirred, the warm and comforting aroma of the ginger and garlic filled my kitchen, making me feel as though I was transported to a bustling street market in some far-off place.

As the pork chops sizzled in the pan, the glaze bubbled and caramelized, creating a sweet and savory crust that promised to be delicious. I cooked the rice with finely grated ginger, which added a subtle heat and depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

When everything was finally ready, I plated the pork chops and rice and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, tender and crunchy. It was a revelation, a dish that I knew would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I shared the meal with my family that night, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My husband even declared it the best pork chops he had ever eaten, high praise indeed from a man who is not easily impressed by food.

From that day on, Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice became a regular fixture on our dinner table. I made it for special occasions and for weeknight meals alike, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit our tastes. Sometimes I would add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist, or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family members who have all fallen in love with it as much as we have. It has become a beloved tradition in our household, a dish that brings us together and fills our home with warmth and love.

I often think about the person who originally wrote down the recipe in that old cookbook, wondering where they learned to make it and who they shared it with. I like to imagine them in their own kitchen, lovingly preparing the dish for their own family, just as I do now.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the simple joys that cooking can bring. The act of creating a delicious meal from scratch, of sharing it with the ones you love, is a gift that never fails to bring me happiness.

And so, as I take my first bite of the tender pork chop, glazed to perfection, and savor the fragrant ginger rice, I am reminded once again of the joy that this recipe has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls, and I am grateful for every moment spent in the kitchen, creating memories that will last a lifetime.