Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce
Juicy pork chops seasoned with a Korean spice blend, pan-seared to develop a caramelized crust, and served with a vibrant scallion sesame sauce. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp gochugaru, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Rub this Korean spice blend evenly onto 4 bone-in pork chops.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions in a small bowl to create the scallion sesame sauce.
- Step 4: Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the scallion sesame sauce over the chops and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Chops with Scallion Sesame Sauce?
Korean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
