Asian BBQ–Style Pork Chops offer a tantalizing balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and umami-rich flavors. With ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce, these pork chops demand a drink that complements their complex taste without overpowering the dish. Here’s your ultimate guide to pairing Asian BBQ–Style Pork Chops with wine, beer, and cocktails.
Asian BBQ–Style Pork Chops
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar–bourbon seasoning
- Large zip-top bag
- 4 ½-inch-thick bone-in (or boneless) pork chops (about 1 ½ lb)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Combine hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce, and seasoning. Reserve 2 tablespoons, then place remainder in bag. Add pork to bag (wash hands); seal and knead to coat. Let stand 30 minutes (or chill overnight) to marinate.
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) on medium-high. Coat pork with spray and grill 4–6 minutes on each side, turning often, until pork is 145°F. Brush with reserved sauce during last minute of grill time. Serve.
- OTHER OPTIONS:
- Pan Fry: Coat 4 (½-inch-thick) bone-in (or boneless) pork chops (about 1 ½ lb) with ¼ cup Dijon mustard. Place pork and ½ cup hushpuppy mix in large zip-top bag and shake to coat. Heat ¼ cup oil in sauté pan. Sauté pork 4–5 minutes on each side until coating is golden and pork is 145°F.
- Broil: Preheat broiler on HIGH. Season 4 (½-inch-thick) bone-in (or boneless) pork chops (about 1 ½ lb) with 2 teaspoons chipotle garlic seasoning, then arrange on foil-lined baking sheet (wash hands). Combine ¼ cup mayonnaise and 3 oz shredded pepper Jack cheese. Spread mixture over pork; broil on middle rack 8–9 minutes until topping is browned and pork is 145°F.
Best Wine Pairings for Asian BBQ Pork Chops
When pairing wine with this dish, consider options that balance sweetness, acidity, and a touch of spice.
- Pinot Noir – This light to medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors pairs well with the soy-based marinade, enhancing both the sweetness and umami.
- Zinfandel – A jammy and peppery Zinfandel holds up to the bold Asian BBQ flavors while balancing the dish’s smoky notes.
- Riesling (Off-Dry) – The slight sweetness and high acidity of an off-dry Riesling complement the sweet and savory marinade while cutting through any spice.
- Gewürztraminer – Known for its floral and lychee notes, Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with the dish’s ginger and hoisin sauce components.
- Syrah/Shiraz – A bolder choice, Syrah’s dark fruit flavors and peppery undertones work well with the smoky, caramelized elements of BBQ pork.
Best Beer Pairings for Asian BBQ Pork Chops
For beer lovers, a well-chosen brew can enhance the dish’s flavors while refreshing the palate.
- Amber Ale – The malty sweetness of an amber ale mirrors the caramelization in the BBQ sauce, making for a smooth pairing.
- Hefeweizen – The banana and clove notes in a hefeweizen provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pork and umami-laden marinade.
- IPA (India Pale Ale) – If you enjoy a bit of bitterness, a citrus-forward IPA can cut through the dish’s sweetness and enhance the smoky elements.
- Japanese Lager – A crisp, light Japanese lager (such as Sapporo or Asahi) provides a clean contrast, allowing the pork’s bold flavors to shine.
- Porter or Stout – Darker beers like porters and stouts enhance the deep caramelized flavors in BBQ pork while complementing its smokiness.
Unique Pairings – Cocktails & Other Drinks
For something different, try pairing your Asian BBQ–Style Pork Chops with a fun and refreshing cocktail:
- Whiskey Sour – The citrus in a whiskey sour adds a bright contrast to the rich BBQ flavors, while the whiskey’s caramel notes enhance the pork’s sweetness.
- Mai Tai – The tropical fruit flavors of a Mai Tai work wonderfully with the soy, ginger, and hoisin sauce, creating a well-balanced pairing.
- Sake (Junmai or Nigori) – A clean and slightly sweet sake enhances the umami and caramelized flavors of the dish.
- Moscow Mule – The ginger and lime elements in a Moscow Mule highlight the dish’s Asian-inspired ingredients while providing a refreshing contrast.
- Plum Wine (Umeshu) – This sweet Japanese wine offers a delicious balance to the pork’s smoky, umami-rich glaze.
