Gochujang Pork Chops & Braised Potatoes

Yes, there are a lot of ingredients in this. Don't let that scare you. All that matters is the fresh basil on top and all that labor is worth it.

Inspiration: Ethnic Spoon

Ingredients

Pork Chops:

1 lb bone-in pork chops

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup water

2 tsp gochujang

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp ginger fresh, minced

4 tsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp sesame seeds for sprinkling

Torn fresh basil leaves

Potatoes:

1 1/2 pounds potatoes (about 3 medium), chopped into 1-inch cubes

1 carrot, cut into chunks

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

1/4 medium onion, cut into chunks

1 tbsp cooking oil

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp gochujang

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp rice wine (or mirin)

1 tsp minced garlic

pinch black pepper

3/4 cup water

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp roasted sesame seeds

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan on medium heat oil and stir fry the garlic until it begins to turn color.

2. Add water, and slowly mix in the gochujang until well blended.

3. Stir in the soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar.

4. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes. The sauce should change to a deep color. it will not be thick like a traditional barbecue sauce. Remove from heat. Let cool for 15 minutes.

5. Place the pork chops in a zip top bag and pour the sauce. Reserve ¼ cup for basting on the grill. Purge the air and seal the bag. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to marinate.

6. In a small bowl, combine all the braising liquid ingredients except the sesame oil and seeds. Stir well.

7. In a non-stick pan (or a small pot), sauté the potatoes in cooking oil over medium heat for 4 - 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the potatoes don't stick to the pan.

8. Add the sauce mix and bring it to a boil over high heat. Drop the carrot pieces in. Cover, and reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are almost cooked through (about 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the type or size of potatoes). The potatoes should be firm and not mushy.

9. Stir in the green peppers and onion, and continue to boil (uncover this time) until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. The potatoes will continue to soak up the sauce even after being cooked. Stir in the sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

10. Preheat grill to medium. Spray with non-stick oil spray to avoid chops from sticking.

11. Place individual pork chops on the grill and baste with sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. If the chops are kind of thin, so make sure you don't overcook them. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F or for more done 160°F.

12. Place pork chops on a plate, cover and let rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.