Pan-Seared Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops infused with aromatic Taiwanese five-spice powder, pan-seared to a golden crust and finished with a glossy soy-garlic glaze that balances savory and sweet notes. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, Taiwanese five-spice powder, kosher salt 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season evenly on both sides with 1 1/2 tsp Taiwanese five-spice powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes without moving, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the pork chops and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Remove chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them and cooking for 1 more minute to rewarm and fully coat.
  7. Step 7: Transfer pork chops to serving plates, drizzle with extra glaze from the pan, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallion stalks for freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze 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 Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze?

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 taiwanese five-spice powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze?

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 Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze 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 Taiwanese Five-Spice Pork Chops with Soy-Garlic Glaze?

Chinese 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.

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