Pork Chops - Sweet-Sour
Sweet and tangy pork chops with pineapple juice and brown sugar offer a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ginger, salt, pepper, paprika, and flour in a bag.
- Rinse chops in cold water and shake one at a time in the bag to coat.
- Brown the chops in melted shortening or Pam in a skillet.
- Add pineapple juice and vinegar to the skillet.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the chops.
- Cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the chops and keep warm.
- If desired, add remaining flour mixture to the pan and stir with some orange juice until thickened to make gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider marinating the pork chops in the pineapple juice and vinegar for a few hours before cooking. You can also substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. This recipe is a great way to use up pantry staples and is similar to other pork recipes like Country Goulash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet-sour pork chops alongside fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables adds a nice contrast. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. This dish pairs beautifully with Green Pig Salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, covered, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops - Sweet-Sour contains roughly 535 calories, with 21g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% 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 mindful of the cooking time, as boneless chops may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they're perfectly cooked and juicy.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for a similar sweet-tart flavor. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of the dish.
How do I know when the pork chops are done cooking?
The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Additionally, the meat should be opaque and firm to the touch, and the juices should run clear.
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).