Soy Pork Chops with Spicy Cucumber Salad

A bold and balanced dish that brings the heat, cools you down, and nourishes every bite.

This vibrant recipe combines sweet, savory, spicy, and umami flavors into one unforgettable dish. Succulent soy-marinated pork chops are infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and tamari, then paired with a refreshing yet fiery cucumber salad that sings with Korean-inspired flavor. It’s a fusion of textures and temperatures — warm and tender protein-rich pork alongside crisp, cool cucumbers drenched in a gochujang-spiked dressing.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this dish is rich in nutrients, deeply satisfying, and completely customizable to your spice tolerance. The simple marinade works wonders on the pork, tenderizing and flavoring it to perfection, while the salad offers a crunchy, zesty contrast that cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Whether you’re craving something comforting, clean, or bold — this dish checks all the boxes and then some.

Ingredient Benefits

For the Soy Pork Chops

• Pork Chops (12 oz./340g)

  • High in complete protein to support muscle health and satiety

  • Good source of B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, for energy and nervous system support

  • Provides minerals like zinc and iron that support immune function

• Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp.)

  • A natural anti-inflammatory and digestive aid

  • May help reduce muscle soreness and nausea

  • Contains antioxidants like gingerol that support immunity

• Garlic (1 clove)

  • Known for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties

  • Helps support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation

• Tamari (2 tbsp.)

  • Gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, rich in umami

  • Adds depth of flavor without added sugar or excess carbs

  • Contains small amounts of antioxidants and amino acids

• Monk Fruit Sweetener (1 tsp.)

  • Zero-calorie natural sweetener that doesn't spike blood sugar

  • A great option for low-carb and keto lifestyles

• Sesame Oil (½ tsp.)

  • Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants like sesamol

  • Adds deep nutty flavor and may support heart health

• Rice Vinegar (1 tsp.)

  • Adds brightness and aids digestion

  • Can help balance blood sugar when consumed with meals

• Green Onion (1 sliced)

  • Adds a mild, fresh bite and is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants

For the Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers (24 oz./680g)

  • Hydrating and refreshing with a high water content

  • Contains vitamin K and antioxidants

  • Low in calories and aids in digestion

• Shallot (1 large, sliced)

  • Mild and slightly sweet, with antibacterial and antioxidant properties

  • Supports immune and cardiovascular health

• Green Onions (2 sliced)

  • Provide flavor, fiber, and immune-supporting nutrients

  • Great source of vitamin A and C

• White Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp., toasted)

  • High in healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and plant lignans

  • May help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels

Dressing

• Gochujang

  • Fermented Korean chili paste rich in probiotics and depth of flavor

  • Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation

• Red Chili Flakes

  • Packed with capsaicin, supporting metabolism and fat oxidation

  • Adds intense heat and flavor

• Toasted Sesame Oil

  • Provides heart-healthy fats and enhances the richness of the dressing

• Tamari

  • Adds umami and salty balance with a gluten-free profile

• Rice Vinegar

  • Adds acidity to balance the heat and sweetness, aids in digestion

• Agave Nectar

  • Adds a subtle natural sweetness to balance spice

  • Lower glycemic index than sugar

• Garlic

  • Offers potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties

  • Supports heart health and may reduce inflammation