Make The Perfect Pork Teriyaki Every Time – Here’s How!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of pork teriyaki, a Japanese culinary masterpiece that combines tender pork with a sweet and savory sauce. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the secrets of making this delectable dish, empowering you to recreate this restaurant-quality delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, ensure you have the following ingredients at hand:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless pork loin
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry sherry
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Prepare the Pork

1. Slice the Pork: Thinly slice the pork loin into 1/4-inch thick strips.
2. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork, soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Create the Teriyaki Sauce

While the pork marinates, prepare the irresistible teriyaki sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic.
2. Simmer until Thickened: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.

Cook the Pork

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
2. Sear the Pork: Remove the pork strips from the marinade and discard the marinade. Sear the pork in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the seared pork and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and bubbly.

Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer to a Serving Dish: Transfer the pork teriyaki to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Teriyaki

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your dish. Opt for fresh pork and high-quality soy sauce and mirin.
• Marinate the Pork Thoroughly: The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Don’t Overcook the Pork: Thinly sliced pork cooks quickly. Be vigilant and remove it from the heat once cooked through to prevent it from becoming dry.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sauce can be easily adjusted to your desired sweetness and saltiness. Add more sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce, or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor.

Variations on Pork Teriyaki

• Chicken Teriyaki: Substitute chicken breasts or thighs for the pork loin.
• Beef Teriyaki: Use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin steak instead of pork.
• Vegetable Teriyaki: Replace the pork with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.

The Perfect Sides for Pork Teriyaki

• Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Noodles: Serve with soba noodles, udon noodles, or ramen noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Miso Soup: A warm and savory soup that complements the teriyaki sauce.

Questions You May Have

Q: How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce further?
A: You can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it simmers.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have mirin or sake?
A: You can substitute dry sherry or white wine for mirin, and skip the sake altogether.

Q: Can I make the pork teriyaki ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the pork overnight and cook it the next day. Reheat the pork and sauce before serving.