Ah So sauce is a sweet, savory sauce that adds a delicious twist to basic pork chops This Chinese-inspired sauce packs a punch of flavor that makes ordinary pork chops extraordinary The combination of brown sugar, hoisin, soy sauce, sherry and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze or marinade for juicy, tender pork.
Cooking pork chops with Ah So sauce is easy to make yet totally impressive. The sauce can be used as a marinade to infuse flavor before cooking, or as a glaze brushed on during the last few minutes of cooking for a shiny lacquered finish. This recipe transforms humble pork chops into a restaurant-worthy meal the whole family will love.
What Makes Ah So Sauce So Special?
Ah So sauce gets its trademark sweet, salty, tangy flavor from a blend of ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ketchup, honey, sherry, ginger, garlic, five spice powder and sesame oil. Additional flavor and heat can come from Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
The sauce is sticky and glossy from cornstarch which acts as a thickener to give it that distinctive glaze consistency. A touch of red food coloring lends an appetizing rich dark color but is optional.
Tips for Making Flavorful Ah So Sauce
Making your own Ah So sauce at home allows you to customize the flavor to your taste. Here are some tips:
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Use a good quality hoisin sauce for depth of flavor. Check the Asian section of your grocery store.
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Toast the sesame oil briefly to intensify its nutty aroma and taste.
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For extra sweetness, use an orange blossom or clover honey.
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Add a spoonful of miso paste for an umami flavor boost.
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For heat, incorporate Sriracha sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
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Use chicken or veggie stock instead of water for a richer sauce base.
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Swap fresh ginger and garlic for dried or jarred versions for brighter flavor.
How to Make Pork Chops with Ah So Sauce
Follow these simple steps for irresistible pork chops with a sweet and savory Ah So glaze:
Prep the pork chops – Choose boneless or bone-in chops about 1 inch thick. Pat dry and lightly score fat cap. Season chops all over with salt and pepper.
Make the sauce – Whisk together all sauce ingredients like hoisin, soy, honey, sherry, oil, garlic, ginger, 5-spice powder and cornstarch.
Sear the chops – Heat oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Add chops and sear both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Bake – Transfer chops to a baking dish, pour over half of the Ah So sauce and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until almost done.
Glaze and broil – Brush chops with remaining sauce. Broil 2-3 minutes until glazed and cooked through.
Rest and serve – Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce. Enjoy!
Turn Ah So Sauce into a Flavor-Packed Marinade
In addition to glazing, Ah So sauce doubles as a tasty marinade for pork chops, chicken, fish or beef. To marinate:
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Place meat in a sealable bag or baking dish. Pour over enough sauce to coat the meat.
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Seal and refrigerate 30 minutes up to overnight, flipping occasionally.
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Discard excess marinade before cooking. Bake, grill or broil as desired.
The marinade deeply seasons the meat and keeps it super moist and tender. Marinating for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate.
Ah So Sauce Marinade Tips
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Marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Discard used marinade.
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Remove meat from marinade and pat dry before cooking for best searing.
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Use a parchment-lined pan to minimize sticking for marinated baked meats.
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Add extra cornstarch to thicken sauce to use as a marinade.
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For chicken, marinate breast fillets 6 hours max to avoid mushiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Ah So Sauce
What meats go well with Ah So sauce?
The sweet Asian flavor of Ah So sauce pairs especially well with pork, chicken and fish. It also adds flavor to ribs, shrimp, beef stir fry, meatballs and more.
What’s the difference between an Ah So sauce marinade vs glaze?
A marinade is used to soak meat in ahead of time to impart flavor. A glaze or sauce is brushed over meat while it cooks for flavor and caramelization.
How long does meat need to marinate in Ah So sauce?
Ideally marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 12-24 hrs. Longer marinating times allow more flavor to penetrate into the meat.
Should Ah So sauce be refrigerated?
Yes, store leftover Ah So sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce can also be frozen for longer storage.
What goes well with pork chops in Ah So sauce?
Try serving with steamed broccoli, rice pilaf or Asian noodle dishes. A fresh green salad or vegetable complements the rich pork and sweet sauce.
The Takeaway
Cooking pork chops in sweet, tangy Ah So sauce results in next-level flavor. Use Ah So as a quick marinade for infusing Asian essence into meat or as a shiny glazed finish. This versatile sauce adds restaurant-quality flavor to everyday pork chops. Whip up a batch of Ah So to have on hand for effortless yet impressive meals any night of the week.