After being tenderized by a beer marinade, these chops require only a quick turn on the grill or under the broiler to form the centerpiece of a hearty meal.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　2/3 cup soy sauce

　　1/4 cup mirin (syrupy rice wine, available at Asian markets and some supermarkets) or sweet sherry

　　1/4 cup cider vinegar

　　1/3 cup sugar

　　2 tablespoons chopped fresh gingerroot

　　2/3 cup beer (not dark)

　　six 1-inch-thick rib or loin pork chops

　　

Step 1

In a saucepan combine the soy sauce, the mirin, the vinegar, the sugar, the gingerroot, and the beer, simmer the mixture until it is reduced to about 1 1/3 cups, and let the marinade cool until it is room temperature. In a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the pork chops in one layer combine the pork chops and the marinade, turning the chops to coat them thoroughly, and let the chops marinate, covered and chilled, turning them several times, overnight.

　　

Step 2

Pour the marinade into a saucepan and boil it for 5 minutes. Grill the pork chops on an oiled rack set about 4 inches over glowing coals, basting them with the marinade during the last 5 minutes of the cooking time, for 8 minutes on each side, or until they are just cooked through. Alternatively the pork chops may be broiled on the rack of a broiler pan under a preheated broiler in the same manner.