Juicy, tender, and glazed to perfection — these Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sesame Seeds are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that define Japanese comfort cuisine. Each pork chop is seared to a golden crust, then coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. The final touch — a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — adds a nutty aroma and light crunch that brings the dish to life.
This recipe captures everything you love about teriyaki: the glossy sauce, the deep umami, and the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. It’s an easy, elegant dish that turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly flavorful. The teriyaki sauce is made from pantry staples — soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic — but the result tastes like something from your favorite Japanese grill.
The pork chops soak up all the flavors, becoming juicy, tender, and coated in a sticky glaze that glistens beautifully on the plate. The toasted sesame seeds not only make it look stunning but also add a nutty depth that elevates every bite.
Best of all, it’s a quick dinner — ready in under 30 minutes — but tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Combines sweet, salty, and umami flavors in perfect harmony.
- Quick, easy, and elegant — ideal for both weeknights and special dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile — pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- The glossy teriyaki glaze makes it an instant crowd-pleaser!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- ⅓ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Simple Cooking Directions
- Season pork chops and sear until golden.
- Prepare homemade teriyaki sauce in a pan.
- Simmer pork chops in the sauce until fully glazed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
- Add the pork chops to the hot skillet.
- Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove pork chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Glaze the Pork Chops
- Return the pork chops to the pan.
- Spoon the teriyaki sauce over them, coating evenly.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the pork is cooked through (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C).
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Once done, remove from heat.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
How to Serve
Serve these Teriyaki Pork Chops hot, drizzled with extra teriyaki glaze and garnished with sesame seeds.
Perfect pairings:
- Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
- Stir-fried vegetables (like bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli)
- Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing side
- Miso soup for a complete Japanese-style meal
For a restaurant-style presentation, slice the pork diagonally and arrange it over rice with the sauce spooned on top.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the pork: Use a meat thermometer to ensure tenderness.
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust sugar or mirin according to your taste.
- Thicken the sauce properly: Always mix cornstarch with water before adding to prevent lumps.
- Rest the pork: Let it rest a couple of minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy.
- Add spice: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Variations
- Honey Garlic Teriyaki: Replace brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add chili garlic paste or sriracha to the sauce.
- Ginger-Sesame Pork Chops: Add extra fresh ginger and sesame oil for deeper flavor.
- Teriyaki Chicken or Tofu: Use the same sauce with chicken breasts or firm tofu for variety.
- Grilled Version: Grill the pork chops and brush with teriyaki glaze for a smoky finish.
Freezing & Storage
To Store (Refrigerate):
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
To Freeze:
- Freeze cooked and cooled pork chops (with sauce) in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs for flipping pork chops
- Small bowl for mixing sauce ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Conclusion
Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sesame Seeds is a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The glistening glaze, savory aroma, and delicate balance of flavors make this recipe a true standout — a little sweet, a little salty, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s a recipe that reminds you how beautiful simplicity can be when done right. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sesame Seeds
Description
Juicy, tender, and glazed to perfection — these Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sesame Seeds are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that define Japanese comfort cuisine. Each pork chop is seared to a golden crust, then coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. The final touch — a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — adds a nutty aroma and light crunch that brings the dish to life.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
For Garnish:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops : Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Step 2: Sear the Pork : Add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove pork chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
-
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce : In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
-
Step 4: Glaze the Pork Chops : Return the pork chops to the pan. Spoon the teriyaki sauce over them, coating evenly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the pork is cooked through (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C).
-
Step 5: Finish and Serve : Once done, remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
