Imagine transforming your dinner with Hawaiian pork chops, a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness.
The skillet sears the chops to perfection, while pineapple chunks offer a rejuvenating contrast. Curious about serving suggestions or storage tips?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Hawaiian Pork Chops, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend the first 5 minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- 0:00 – 5:00: Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Prepare the pineapple juice mixture by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- 10:00 – 16:00: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned.
- 16:00 – 18:00: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- 18:00 – 20:00: Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- 20:00 – 23:00: Mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the skillet. Stir the sauce until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- 23:00 – 30:00: Return the pork chops to the skillet, coat them with the sauce, and add pineapple chunks. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Resting & Garnishing (5 minutes)
- 30:00 – 35:00: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the skillet.
Stir the sauce until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them with the sauce, and add pineapple chunks.
Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fluffy and fragrant rice that perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors of the Hawaiian pork chops.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds a delightful crunch and vitality to the meal.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: Creamy and tangy, this classic side dish pairs well with the tropical theme of the pork chops.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy and slightly sweet, it provides a comforting balance to the tangy pineapple sauce.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of mango, kiwi, and papaya offers a rejuvenating sweetness to round out the meal.
Storage
To store Hawaiian Pork Chops, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Hawaiian Pork Chops, allow them to cool completely.
Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Make certain they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat Hawaiian Pork Chops, use a skillet on low heat.
Cover to retain moisture.
Alternatively, microwave on medium.
Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
Adjust time as needed.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Pork Chops recipe combines sweet and savory flavors to create a delightful dish.
The use of pineapple juice and soy sauce gives the pork a tropical twist while the ground ginger and garlic powder add depth.
To guarantee success, pay attention to the thickness of the pork chops for even cooking.
Letting the sauce thicken will enhance the flavor and make sure it clings well to the meat.
Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
Garnishing with sliced green onions adds a fresh touch.
Enjoy this dish as a main course, and consider pairing it with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Juice Instead of Fresh?
You can use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh. Measure 1 cup precisely for accuracy. Verify it’s unsweetened to control sweetness. Whisk it well with other ingredients for a smooth sauce, maintaining the dish’s intended flavor balance.
What Sides Pair Well With Hawaiian Pork Chops?
You can pair Hawaiian pork chops with fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the sweet sauce perfectly. Add lightly steamed broccoli for a fresh contrast, or try a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a revitalizing balance.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
You can make this dish spicier by adding 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the sauce. Stir them in when you whisk the pineapple juice mixture for a spicy kick.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives for This Recipe?
You can swap pork chops with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced into 1-inch pieces. Marinate them in the sauce, ensuring even coating. Follow the same cooking steps, adjusting the cook time to maintain texture.
Can I Substitute Chicken for Pork in This Recipe?
You can substitute chicken for pork. Use four chicken breasts, adjust cooking time to 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring they reach 165°F internally. Follow the same sauce instructions, letting it thicken to coat the chicken evenly.

Hawaiian Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the skillet.
- Stir the sauce until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, coating them with the sauce, and add pineapple chunks.
- Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.