Porktastic meal features sesame Asian flavors and a kick.

Main Course / April 19, 2014

It’s been forever since I prepared pork loin chops for dinner. It used to be something we had 5 or 6 times a month. But I’ve gotten away from them and I can’t recall why. What I do recall is why I used to make them all the time; they’re dang good and one of our favorite meals.

For one thing, whatever flavor you’re in the mood for, a good pork loin chop will stand up to it and even enhance it. Tonight I was in the mood for Asian and Ron was happy to grill. Sesame oil was the star, ginger was the show-off, habanero was the kick and herbs made it pretty. Oh, and chop sticks made it fun!! Voila’…dinner.

Soy and Sesame Grilled Pork Chops

With Asian Veggie Orzo and a Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

Prep time 20, cook 20

Ingredients:

4 boneless pork loin chops, about ½ inch thick
3 t sesame oil divided
1 T olive oil
1/8 C soy sauce
Salt and pepper
2 C cooked orzo pasta
3 T fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 T fresh mint, finely chopped
1/8 t ground ginger (fresh will also work)
1/8 t ground coriander
2 T butter
4 medium carrots diced
½ small onion sliced very thin
8 small shitake mushrooms, stems
removed and diced
Bottled brand of Mango Habanero Sauce
2 T brown sugar

Directions:

Marinate pork chops in soy sauce and 2 t sesame oil for an hour.While your head grill master is outside grilling your pork chops to the perfect color, get water boiling and cook orzo to al dente and sauté veggies and complete the pasta dish:
In a sauté pan, add olive oil and heat then add onions, carrots and mushrooms and cook until the onions are almost caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add 1 T butter, the coriander and ginger, and salt and pepper. Add drainedorzo, toss and add the 1 t sesame oil. Then add the fresh herbs. Stir and keep warm. In a small glass bowl add mango sauce and brown sugar and heat in microwave until warm.
Plate meal. Serve with your choice of sides and friends!

pasta