Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil
Juicy pork chops pan-seared to perfection, finished with a tangy tamarind glaze and aromatic Thai basil. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each pork chops, tamarind paste, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 pieces, about 6 oz each pork chops
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 pork chops (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: When the oil shimmers, add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the tamarind glaze over them. Cook for 1-2 minutes to reheat and coat evenly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves on top before serving for a fragrant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep about 6 oz each pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil?
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 Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil 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 Pork Chops with Tamarind Glaze and Thai Basil?
Thai 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.
