Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a tasty treat! The pork is juicy, and the sweet sauce with a hint of tang makes it fun to eat. Plus, it brings a splash of color to your dinner plate!
I love serving these chops with rice. The sauce is just perfect for pouring over it. Every bite is a little party in my mouth! Who can resist a sweet and sour combo? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I prefer bone-in chops for their juiciness, but boneless pork chops work well too. If you want a leaner option, you could use chicken breasts instead.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a great taste, but canned pineapple is just fine. If you’re not a fan of pineapple, try using mango or peach instead for a different twist.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Feel free to use green, yellow, or orange peppers, or even some snap peas if you like! They all provide a nice crunch.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you want a natural alternative. For a sugar-free option, try a sweetener like stevia.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a lovely kick to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use ground ginger in a pinch.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
Thickening the sauce is crucial for texture. Here’s how to get it just right!
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. It should be smooth without clumps.
- Add the slurry slowly to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens. This step makes the sauce cling to the pork perfectly!
Remember, don’t rush this step! A well-thickened sauce enhances each bite, making it taste delicious! Enjoy cooking your Sweet and Sour Pork Chops!
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained and reserved)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from drained pineapple or canned juice)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pork, and about 20 minutes for the sauce and everything to come together. It’s quick and totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear better! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Pork:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops and cook until they are golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
4. Add the Pineapple:
Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Give it a good stir to mix everything together!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and the optional ginger. Make sure everything is combined well.
6. Combine Sauce and Vegetables:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet over the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Bring this all to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, mixing well to avoid any lumps. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Return the Chops:
Carefully return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over them and let everything simmer together on low heat for another 5 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and coated in the sauce.
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top for a lovely pop of color!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful Sweet and Sour Pork Chops hot, alongside steaming white rice. Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over the rice for a deliciously tangy experience!
Enjoy your vibrant, tangy, sweet, and juicy Sweet and Sour Pork Chops! 🍽️
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops work perfectly! Just be mindful that they may cook slightly faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking to add a little heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha into the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, orange juice or apple juice can be great substitutes. They will add a different sweetness, but still complement the flavors nicely!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the chop’s texture.
