Sweet and Salty Pork Chops with Beef Jerky

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
• 8 garlic cloves, halved
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, lower third only, chopped
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Twelve 6-ounce boneless pork chops
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, lower third only, minced
• One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup Asian fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 12 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped chives
• 1/2 cup finely shredded beef jerky (1 ounce)

1. COOK THE PORK CHOPS In a mini food processor, combine the cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lemongrass, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the oil and process to a paste.
2. Put the pork chops in a large, shallow dish and coat with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a simmer over moderate heat to dissolve the sugar.
5. Simmer, without stirring, until an amber caramel forms, about 8 minutes.
6. Add the lemongrass and ginger and slowly pour in the vinegar and fish sauce, stirring, until the sauce is clear.
7. Add the pepper and remove from the heat.
8. Heat the 1/4 cup of oil in a small skillet.
9. Add the garlic and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 4 minutes.
10. Transfer the garlic and oil to a small bowl.
11. Preheat the oven to 400.
12. In each of 2 large skillets, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until shimmering.
13. Scrape some of the marinade off the pork chops.
14. Add 6 chops to each skillet and cook over high heat until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
15. Transfer the chops to a rimmed baking sheet.
16. Bake the chops for 10 minutes, or until barely pink in the center.
17. Transfer the chops to a large platter and spoon the caramel sauce on top.
18. Drain the fried garlic and scatter it over the chops, along with the peanuts and chives.
19. Garnish with the jerky and serve at once.

cilantro leaves, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, stalks of fresh lemongrass, freshly ground pepper, vegetable oil, sugar, water, stalks of fresh lemongrass, ginger, white wine vinegar, fish sauce, freshly ground pepper, vegetable oil, garlic, peanuts, chives, beef jerky

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sweet-and-salty-pork-chops-with-beef-jerky (may not work)