Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a tasty mix of juicy pork and a tangy-sweet sauce. This dish is colorful and perfect for a fun family dinner!
Honestly, what’s not to love about that crunch and zing? I like to serve mine over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s pure comfort on a plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops. I usually go for bone-in as they tend to be juicier, but boneless is great for quick cooking.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a crisp sweetness, but canned pineapple works just as well. If you want to skip the fruit, you could use a bit of apple or even mango.
Peppers: Red and green bell peppers brighten the dish. If you’re out of these, any color bell pepper will do. For a twist, try adding sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat!
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my favorite for that sweet-tangy kick, but white vinegar can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Rice vinegar is another excellent alternative.
Why is Proper Searing Important?
Searing the pork chops creates a beautiful golden crust, locking in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding oil and pork to achieve that nice sear.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; about 4-5 minutes per side should do it! Flip gently to avoid losing juices.
Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can cause steaming instead of searing. Make sure each chop has its own space for the best results!
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce and Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes seasoning and cooking the pork chops, and another 20 minutes making the sauce and veggies. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent. This is where the magic begins!
4. Adding Peppers and Pineapple:
Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
5. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This will be the sweet and tangy sauce that brings it all together!
6. Incorporating the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let those flavors meld for a minute or two!
7. Thickening the Sauce:
In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, creating a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce in the skillet to thicken it. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
8. Bringing it All Together:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything warm up together for about 2 minutes.
9. Serving Your Dish:
Serve the hot pork chops with the sweet and sour sauce generously poured over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor alongside your favorite cooked white rice.
Enjoy your delightful Sweet and Sour Pork Chops—a tasty balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors paired with tender pork and colorful veggies!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Definitely! If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork chops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! If you want to add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture. Adjust it to your spice level preference!
Can I Prepare It in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just sear the pork chops and combine everything!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your meal again!