Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Indonesian-Inspired Pork Chops with Gado Gado Salad are not just a meal, but a passport to Southeast Asian flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine succulent, perfectly seared pork chops infused with aromatic ginger and garlic, nestled on a bed of crisp, vibrant vegetables, and drizzled with rich, creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that combines simplicity with explosive flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indonesian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beansprouts)
- 1/2 cup peanut sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl
- Place pork chops in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each chop is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
- While pork is marinating, prepare the mixed vegetables by washing and chopping cabbage, carrots, and separating beansprouts
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface
- Remove pork chops from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing
- Cook pork chops for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), creating a nice golden-brown crust
- Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices
- Quickly blanch mixed vegetables in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and retain crispness
- Drain vegetables and arrange on serving plates
- Slice rested pork chops and place atop the vegetable salad
- Drizzle peanut sauce generously over the pork and vegetables
- Serve immediately while pork is still warm and vegetables are crisp
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the pork chops sit in the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic mixture for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check that your pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat meat.
- Vegetable Technique: When blanching vegetables, have a bowl of ice water ready. The quick transfer stops the cooking process and helps maintain a crisp, vibrant texture.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Peanut Sauce Hack: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought peanut sauce, but homemade always tastes better!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
