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
Calories 310kcal
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.
