Asian Flavored Pork Chops

Pork is a commonly served meat in Asia, but grilled pork chops are not. However, Asian seasonings go just as well as a marinade with pork chops as they do in Asian dishes. The one modification to this recipe from its Asian cousin is the use of lemon zest instead of lemon grass that is not readily available to many cooks.

2 3/4-inch thick pork chops

Prepare the marinade (recipe follows). Trim the chops of their peripheral fat. Place them in the zip-top plastic bag with the marinade. Partially close the bag, expel as much air as possible, and zip the bag fully closed. Kneed to coat the chops with marinade. Marinate the meat for 2 to 3 hours refrigerated. Remove the chops from the marinade and brush off excess vegetable particles.

Prepare the grill for hot direct cooking. Cook the chops directly over the fire, lid closed, for 4 minutes per side.

Marinade

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1 1/2 teaspoon sherry

Zest of 1 medium lemon

1 green onion, thinly sliced, white and green

Combine all ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag and kneed to mix.