Description

This Pineapple Pork Chops recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that perfectly complement juicy, tender pork chops. The dish is cooked on the stovetop and features a tangy pineapple sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, served with caramelized pineapple rings. It’s an easy and flavorful meal ideal for a weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with rice and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

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For the Pork Chops

2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1/2 lime
4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4 inch (2cm) thick)

For the Pineapple Sauce and Garnish

8 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
3/4 cup pineapple juice (180ml)
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooked rice (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the ground paprika, salt, and lime juice, then rub this mixture all over the pork chops to season them evenly. Let them rest briefly to soak in the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Pork Chops and Pineapple: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the pineapple rings and cook until caramelized on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside with the pork chops.
Make the Pineapple Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the hot skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow the sauce to thicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the pork chops and pineapple rings to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over them and cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the pork chops and pineapple rings to plates, spoon extra sauce over the top, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve alongside cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

You can use fresh or canned pineapple rings; fresh will add a more vibrant flavor while canned provides convenience.
Ensure the pork chops are not too thick to allow even cooking in the recommended time.
Adjust brown sugar and soy sauce quantities based on your preferred sweetness and saltiness level.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent overcooking and ensure juiciness.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal contrast but is optional.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.