Sabahan-style Smothered Pork Chops

Ingredients

In the original South American version of Smothered Pork Chops, the dish is typically prepared with a tomato-based sauce and seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika. However, in this Sabahan adaptation, we incorporate local flavors by using a blend of turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass. This gives the dish a distinct Bornean twist and enhances its aromatic and vibrant qualities. We alse have the original recipe for Smothered Pork Chops, so you can check it out.

• 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick) (4 pork chops (about 2.5 cm thick)) 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick) (4 pork chops (about 2.5 cm thick))
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml vegetable oil) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml vegetable oil)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (1 onion, finely chopped) 1 onion, finely chopped (1 onion, finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 cloves garlic, minced) 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 cloves garlic, minced)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated (1 thumb-sized ginger, grated) 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated (1 thumb-sized ginger, grated)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised (2 stalks lemongrass, bruised) 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised (2 stalks lemongrass, bruised)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (1 teaspoon ground turmeric) 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240ml chicken broth) 1 cup chicken broth (240ml chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml soy sauce) 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (15ml oyster sauce) 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (15ml oyster sauce)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (Salt and pepper, to taste) Salt and pepper, to taste (Salt and pepper, to taste)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (Fresh cilantro, for garnish) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (Fresh cilantro, for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and bruised lemongrass. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground turmeric and cook for another minute.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
8. 8.
   Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce for a few more minutes, until it thickens slightly.
9. 9.
   Serve the pork chops with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To bruise the lemongrass, use the back of a knife or a rolling pin to gently crush the stalks. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Turmeric — Be cautious when handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing. Use gloves or wash your hands immediately after handling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Marinating the pork chops in the sauce for a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavors even more.
• If lemongrass is not available, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of lemongrass paste or a few strips of lemon zest.
• To achieve a nice caramelization on the pork chops, make sure the skillet is hot before adding them.

Serving advice

Serve the Sabahan-style Smothered Pork Chops with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pork chops on a serving platter and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles and a vibrant vegetable stir-fry to create an appealing and appetizing presentation.