Hawaiian Pork Chops
Hawaiian Pork Chops feature tender pork cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, accented with onions and green peppers. This flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of savory and fruity notes, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy vibrant, tropical-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, quickly brown the pork chops in vegetable oil; drain excess fat.
- Combine pineapple chunks and juice with ketchup, then pour over the browned chops.
- Add sliced onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cover.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn the pork chops over in the skillet.
- Add green pepper chunks to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch dissolved in water.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, marinate the pork chops in the pineapple juice and ketchup mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have green pepper, red or yellow peppers can be used as a substitute. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for extra color and nutrition. For a twist, consider using soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hawaiian Pork Chops over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad pairs wonderfully, creating a balanced meal. For a tropical twist, consider serving with coconut rice or a side of the Mushroom Appetizer for an added flavor dimension.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the pork chops and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop over low heat to prevent the pork from drying out. Adding a splash of pineapple juice during reheating can help maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Pork Chops contains roughly 175 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in place of bone-in chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Mix either with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumping.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook the pork chops and sauce, then let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).