Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant Sesame Pork with Thai Cucumber Salad recipe—a tantalizing fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Juicy, tender pork chops are marinated in a rich blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then perfectly seared for a caramelized finish. Paired with a refreshing Thai cucumber salad, the dish features crisp cucumber slices tossed in a zesty dressing of rice vinegar, lime juice, and fish sauce, complemented by fresh cilantro and a spicy kick of red chili pepper. This quick and easy meal is ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or an impressive weekend gathering. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges for a burst of flavor in every bite! Perfect for those seeking Thai-inspired pork recipes or a light, flavorful dish to spice up their menu.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds to create the marinade.
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
While the pork marinates, prepare the Thai cucumber salad by slicing the cucumbers thinly. Place them in a mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and the juice of half a lime. Pour this dressing over the cucumbers.
Add chopped cilantro and finely sliced red chili pepper to the cucumber salad. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and sear the chops for 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
Optional: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a glaze for the pork.
Serve the sesame pork alongside the chilled Thai cucumber salad. Garnish with lime wedges, additional cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired.
Calories |
1544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.4 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 20.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3241 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.2 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 114.9 g | 230% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2961 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.