This is a quick meal that can be made on a weeknight. I used thick cut boneless pork chops (about 3/4 inch), but this will work with thin chops or those with a bone, just don't cook them as long, and use a thermometer to check the temperature. We no longer need to cook pork to death as we did years ago as trichinosis has all but been eliminated with modern pig farming techniques. Just be sure that the internal temperature of your meat is at 150 degrees. This is great served over rice or egg noodles.
4 pork chops
3 cloves garlic finely minced
2 shallots finely minced
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup beef broth plus extra if needed
1 Tablespoon flour
1/2 cup white wine
2 Tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Note: I don't always have beef broth in my pantry, but chicken broth will work just as well. If you like a deeper flavor, just add a bullion cube or a half teaspoon of beef base.
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is shimmering, place pork chops in the pan. Don't fiddle with them, just let them cook and turn after 2 or 3 minutes. Cook on the other side for another 2 - 3 minutes. While you are searing the chops mix soy sauce, brown sugar beef broth and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Remove pork chops to a plate and cover with foil. Add the garlic and shallots to the pan and lower the heat to medium. As soon as shallots and garlic soften, sprinkle with flour and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the wine to the pan and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add broth soy sauce mixture to the pan. Mix the cornstarch with water and add to the pan. Raise heat to medium high and stir until sauce begins to thicken. If sauce becomes too thick, add more beef broth. Add the pork chops back to the pan, cover and cook over low heat for about ten minutes. After ten minutes, check temperature of the meat, if it has not reached 150 degrees cook a little longer. Serve over rice or noodles and pour sauce on top. Include a green vegetable and salad for a healthy meal! Enjoy!
Please feel free to leave questions or comments in the "comment" section below this post. Let me know how you liked it!
Happy Cooking!
Carol
a.k.a. Nonnie
