Sweet and Sour Pork Chops

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a flavorful twist on the classic pork chop dinner. Juicy, pan-seared (or baked) pork chops are simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made with pineapple, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This dish beautifully balances savory and sweet, giving you that restaurant-style flavor right at home. It’s a quick, easy, and family-friendly recipe that works well for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s vibrant, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Pork chops on their own can sometimes feel simple, but when paired with this glossy sweet and sour sauce, they become an unforgettable meal. I especially love how the pineapple adds a fruity brightness that balances the rich pork. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A perfect balance of flavors: sweet, tangy, and savory.
• A family-friendly recipe that’s also dinner-party worthy.
• Works with both bone-in and boneless pork chops.
• Great way to bring variety to your pork chop dinners.
• Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
• Course: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~380 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season and sear pork chops until golden brown.
2. Whisk together sauce ingredients and simmer until thickened.
3. Return pork chops to sauce and cook through.
4. Garnish and serve hot with rice or vegetables.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare Pork Chops
   Pat pork chops dry. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear Pork Chops
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   In the same pan, add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken Sauce
   Add cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce. Stir until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking
   Return pork chops to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and simmer another 8–10 minutes, until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
6. Serve
   Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice.
• With noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Alongside sautéed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook pork chops—use a meat thermometer for best results.
• If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice.
• For extra flavor, marinate pork chops in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Double the sauce if you want extra for drizzling over rice.

Variations

• Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork Chops: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Honey Sweet and Sour: Swap some sugar for honey for a different sweetness.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add bell peppers, onions, or carrots for more texture.
• Grilled Version: Grill pork chops and finish them with the sauce for smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked pork chops with sauce for 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep chops juicy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl and whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless chops cook faster—just reduce cooking time slightly.

Q2: Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) works perfectly.

Q3: Can I bake instead of pan-searing?
Yes—bake seasoned pork chops at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then pour sauce over before serving.

Q4: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar or add extra vinegar for tanginess.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a bold, flavorful twist on the classic pork chop dinner. With juicy meat, a glossy pineapple-infused sauce, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is guaranteed to win over both kids and adults. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for entertaining. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.