Teriyaki Pork Chops with Sesame Seeds

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

1. Season pork chops and sear until golden.
2. Prepare homemade teriyaki sauce in a pan.
3. Simmer pork chops in the sauce until fully glazed.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sear the Pork

1. Add the pork chops to the hot skillet.
2. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized.
3. Remove pork chops from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Glaze the Pork Chops

1. Return the pork chops to the pan.
2. Spoon the teriyaki sauce over them, coating evenly.
3. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the pork is cooked through (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once done, remove from heat.
2. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top.
3. 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.