Pineapple-Onion Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops glazed with pineapple juice, honey mustard, and caramelized onions create a sweet and tangy dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge pork chops in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add pork chops and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove pork chops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in pineapple juice, water, brown sugar, and honey mustard (or Dijon mustard and honey).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, cover, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve hot with the sauce spooned over.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can work as a substitute, though the flavor will change slightly. Pairing this dish with rice will help soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pineapple-onion pork chops over a bed of rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to complement the sweetness of the sauce. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would make excellent sides. This dish pairs beautifully with Wickers Baked Beans for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring not to overcook the pork.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Onion Pork Chops contains roughly 856 calories, with 33g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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 fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used! Just chop it into small chunks and add it to the skillet after browning the pork. You may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more brown sugar, as fresh pineapple is less concentrated than juice.
What can I serve with pineapple-onion pork chops?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or even a light pasta. For vegetables, consider steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans to balance the sweetness of the sauce. A side of crusty bread can also be great for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pork chops and sauce as directed, then cool and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to cook the pork just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
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).