Brown Sugar Pineapple Pork Chops combine tender pork with a sweet and tangy glaze, making it a nostalgic and comforting dish. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides for a balanced meal.
- Family-Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust the sweetness, spice, or tang to your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 4 pineapple rings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season and Sear the Pork Chops:
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Assemble for Baking:
- Place the seared pork chops in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chops and place a pineapple ring on top of each chop.
- Bake the Pork Chops:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Tropical Twist: Use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a bolder flavor.
- Reduce Sugar: Swap brown sugar with a sugar substitute or reduce the amount for a lighter version.
- Vinegar Options: Try balsamic vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Herbal Note: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the savory aspect of the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
2. What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad complement the flavors beautifully.
3. Can I grill the pork chops instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill the chops over medium heat, basting with the sauce, and top with pineapple rings during the last few minutes.
4. How do I know when the pork chops are cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Yes, fresh juice enhances the natural sweetness of the dish.
6. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce works as a substitute.
7. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, prepare the dish and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake it just before serving.
8. How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Searing the chops locks in moisture, and the sauce helps keep them juicy during baking.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added to the baking dish for a complete meal.
10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, adding the pineapple rings during the last 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pineapple Pork Chops are a delightful combination of savory and sweet, making them a versatile and satisfying main dish. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe tonight for a taste of comfort and nostalgia!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Pork Chops combine sweet and savory flavors in a comforting dish that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Juicy pork chops are smothered in a rich, caramelized sauce made with pineapple juice and brown sugar, then baked to perfection with pineapple rings on top.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 4 pineapple rings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season and Sear:
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Place the seared pork chops in a baking dish. Pour the brown sugar-pineapple mixture over the pork chops.
- Top each pork chop with a pineapple ring.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Add Heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lighten It Up: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the brown sugar for a lighter version.
- Enhance Flavor: Add grated ginger or substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar or lime juice for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
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