easy pineapple pork chops

These easy pineapple pork chops will dial up your weeknight dinner routine! Sweet, savory, and tangy, they’re a tropical twist on a comforting classic.

These yummy chops are coated in seasoned flour and simmered in a tasty pineapple sauce. They flawlessly balance sweetness with just a hint of heat.

This recipe has a delightful fusion of flavors that’ll transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise.

They’re juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Look for thick, juicy, bone-in chops for the best results.
• Seasoned Flour: Season all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will give the chops their crispy coating and a ton of extra flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Or any neutral-tasting oil for searing the chops.
• Crushed Pineapple: Grab a can of sweet and tangy crushed pineapple and don’t drain it! It adds a lovely, tropical twist to the sauce.
• Ketchup: For a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• White Vinegar: It adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors in the dish.
• Brown Sugar: It provides a hint of caramel-like sweetness to deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Soy & Worcestershire Sauces: A one-two punch of umami, savory tanginess.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Though optional, these add heat and spice for those who like to add a little kick to their meals.
• Fresh Chopped Cilantro or Parsley: A vibrant garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Make Pineapple Pork Chops

Season.

Mix the flour, garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Then, dredge each chop in the flour mixture, coating well on all sides.

Sear.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, sear the pork chops for approximately 4 minutes per side.

Make the sauce.

While the chops are searing, mix the pineapples (with juice), ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and pepper flakes. Once the chops have browned, pour the sauce over them in the skillet.

Simmer.

Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let the chops simmer in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes or until their internal temp is 145 degrees. Add a small amount of water if needed to thin the sauce.

Serve.

Transfer the finished pork chops to serving platters. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and enjoy hot!

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Tips for the Best Pineapple Pork Chops

Pork chops are a versatile, easily customizable dish. You can fry them, grill them, or stuff them. Here are a few tips for this particular pork chop recipe:

Dial up the flavor. If you know you want to make these ahead of time, marinate them first. Make a marinade from the sauce ingredients (using just the juice from the pineapples). Let the chops sit in it overnight. Then, follow the recipe as directed.

Keep things even. The more even the coating, the more uniformly they will cook. An even coating will also ensure a crispy crust all the way around.

Sear before simmering. It can be tempting to skip the searing step. Don’t! Searing the chops first will help lock in moisture and prevent them from becoming dry. Also, be sure to cook the pork chops just to 145 degrees. Anything more will likely dry them out.

Choose your consistency. The sauce may thicken as it simmers. If it gets too thick, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until it thins to your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a cornstarch slurry.

Go the fresh route. Cut a fresh pineapple into chunks or tidbits and reserve some juice. You’ll need about 1/2 cup to replace an 8-ounce can.

Save some pineapple chunks. As the sauce simmers, the pineapples will break down. Reserve a few to stir in at the end of the cooking process for extra texture.

Try tasty variations. You can add extra veggies to the sauce. Sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well. You can also stir in some diced jalapeno or Sriracha for extra heat.

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What to Serve with Pineapple Pork Chops

You can serve these sweet-n-tangy pork chops with whatever sides you like best. However, they taste best with dishes that complement their sweetness and tanginess.

I recommend the following:

• Steamed or fried rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Air fryer broccoli
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Garlic butter green beans

How to Store

Have leftover pork chops? Save them for later!

To Store: Let them cool, then transfer them to an air-tight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap the chops individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag with the sauce and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Place the pork chops in a skillet and pour the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and reheat over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them in 30-second increments, stirring between each.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, boneless pork chops work fine. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely. Just be sure to include enough juice—about 1/2 cup—to match the canned amount.

→ What sides go well with pineapple pork chops?

Steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or green vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair perfectly with the flavors.

→ How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?

Sear first to lock in juices, and avoid cooking past 145°F internal temperature.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chops ahead or cook and store them for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

→ How spicy are these pork chops?

The red pepper flakes add mild heat. Adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.