San Francisco Chops
San Francisco Chops offer a delightful blend of savory soy and sherry flavors with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, these tender pork chops are glazed in a flavorful sauce and cooked in the microwave, making them a convenient and satisfying choice for busy households.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the pork chops.
- In a microwave-safe dish, combine the oil and minced garlic.
- Spread the oil and garlic mixture evenly in the dish.
- Microwave at high power for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, combine the dry sherry or broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper.
- Add the pork chops to the dish, turning them to coat evenly with the mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the chops and cover the dish with wax paper.
- Microwave at high power for 4 minutes, turning the chops and dish once after 2 minutes.
- Keep covered and microwave at medium power for 12 to 15 minutes, until no pink remains.
- Remove the chops to a serving dish.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pan juices.
- Microwave at high power for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chops and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, marinate the pork chops in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don’t have dry sherry, chicken broth works well as a substitute. To add a bit of sweetness, consider using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your spice preference, and feel free to add some chopped green onions for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flavorful pork chops with a side of Good Baked Beans for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with Skillet Fried Corn or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate. For a complete American recipes experience, consider adding some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover San Francisco Chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in the microwave on medium power until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Francisco Chops contains roughly 907 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops, but be aware that they may require a longer cooking time. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption. Adjust the cooking time while monitoring closely to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, consider using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the microwave?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the marinated pork chops in a covered dish for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Basting the chops with the sauce halfway through will enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).