Hawaiian Pork Chops are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that bring a tropical twist to your dinner table. These juicy pork chops are marinated and cooked in a luscious sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a caramelized glaze that perfectly complements the meat. The addition of fresh pineapple chunks and bell peppers adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve these pork chops over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for a weekend gathering, Hawaiian Pork Chops are sure to please.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices in juice, drained and juice reserved
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Season and sear the pork chops:
- Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Simmer the sauce and pork chops:
- Pour the pineapple juice mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with the pineapple slices. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork chops and pineapple from the skillet and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the pork chops and pineapple to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Hawaiian Pork Chops hot, garnished with sliced green onions, over a bed of cooked rice.
Enjoy your Hawaiian Pork Chops as a delicious and tropical dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your kitchen, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory in every bite!
