Imagine savoring tender pork chops infused with the sweet tang of pineapple, perfectly balanced with savory notes.
Your expertise in flavor pairing will shine as you masterfully combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to create a luscious glaze.
Picture plating these chops with caramelized pineapple slices for a visually stunning presentation.
Curious about achieving this culinary harmony?
Discover how to elevate your culinary repertoire with this delightful dish.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops, bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pineapple slices, canned or fresh
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while cooking Pineapple Pork Chops, consider the following timeline:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Read Through the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients: pork chops, olive oil, salt, black pepper, pineapple slices, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and butter.
- Prepare equipment: large skillet, tongs, cutting board, sharp knife, and meat thermometer.
- Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- Searing Pork Chops (8 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelizing Pineapple (4 minutes)
- In the same skillet, cook pineapple slices for 2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Remove pineapple slices and set aside.
- Preparing Sauce and Cooking Pork Chops (13 minutes)
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to the skillet and stir.
- Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until pork is cooked through.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt into the sauce.
- Return pineapple slices to the skillet and warm through.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Let the pork chops rest before serving to guarantee they remain juicy.
Total Time: 45 minutes
This timeline allows you to efficiently manage your time from preparation to serving, guaranteeing the dish is cooked perfectly and ready to enjoy.
Adjust any steps as needed to suit your pace or kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add pineapple slices and cook for 2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
Remove the pineapple slices and set them aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
Add butter to the skillet and let it melt into the sauce.
Return the pineapple slices to the skillet and warm them through.
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A perfect neutral base that complements the sweet and savory pineapple sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful side that balances the flavors of the dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Offers a creamy texture that pairs well with the tender pork chops.
- Quinoa Salad: Provides a light and nutritious option with a slight nutty flavor to contrast the sweetness.
- Grilled Asparagus: A simple yet flavorful side that enhances the dish’s presentation and taste.
Storage
To store leftover pineapple pork chops, place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze Pineapple Pork Chops, allow them to cool completely.
Then, store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat Pineapple Pork Chops, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice.
Cover and heat until warmed through. This method guarantees the pork remains juicy.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Pork Chops are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors.
The dish is simple to prepare and offers a tropical twist to the traditional pork chop recipe.
The key to achieving perfect tenderness is to guarantee the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
This can be checked with a meat thermometer.
The caramelized pineapple complements the savory pork beautifully.
Pairing it with a side of steamed rice or vegetables can help balance the sweetness of the pineapple sauce.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes is a great option.
Adjusting the seasoning to your taste is encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
You can certainly use boneless pork chops. They cook faster, so reduce the time slightly to prevent dryness. Guarantee even browning for a beautiful presentation. Pair with pineapple sauce for a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple if Allergic?
If you’re allergic to pineapple, substitute it with mango or peach for a similar sweetness. These fruits caramelize well and pair beautifully with pork. Guarantee presentation by slicing them neatly and arranging them attractively on your plate.
How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while seasoning the pork chops. For an extra kick, incorporate chopped jalapeños into the sauce. Balance the heat with a garnish of fresh cilantro, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Are Fresh or Canned Pineapples Better for This Recipe?
You’ll find fresh pineapples offer vibrant flavor and firmer texture, elevating presentation. However, canned pineapples deliver consistent sweetness and caramelization ease. Choose fresh for a refined touch, or canned for convenience without sacrificing taste.
What’s the Best Side Dish to Complement This Meal?
You should serve steamed jasmine rice with a side of sautéed green beans. The rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, while the green beans add a crisp texture and vibrant color, enhancing the dish’s overall presentation and flavor balance.
Pineapple Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops bone-in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pineapple slices canned or fresh
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add pineapple slices and cook for 2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Remove the pineapple slices and set them aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt into the sauce.
- Return the pineapple slices to the skillet and warm them through.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
