Strawberry Pork Chops
Sweet and savory strawberry-stuffed pork chops with a flavorful glaze, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, combining fruitiness with hearty meat.
Ingredients
- 4 thick pork chops ⓘ
- 3 cups fresh whole strawberries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon hot water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon diced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of whole strawberries, bread crumbs, hot water, melted butter, diced celery, minced onion, minced green pepper, salt, pepper, and sage.
- Stuff the pork chop pockets with the mixture and close with toothpicks.
- In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil and brown the pork chops on both sides.
- Remove the chops from the skillet and place them in a baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, mash the remaining strawberries and combine with brown sugar and soy sauce.
- Baste the pork chops with the strawberry mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 90 minutes.
- Remove the chops at 30-minute intervals to taste and baste again.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing for some heat. You can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts for a lighter option. If fresh strawberries are out of season, thawed frozen strawberries can be used in the sauce, but reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly since frozen fruit tends to be sweeter. Pair this dish with sides like Nellie'S Calico Beans for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Strawberry Pork Chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the dish. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with Tasty Pinto Beans or a light rice pilaf. The strawberry sauce can also be drizzled over a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook, which can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Pork Chops contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just thaw and drain them before mashing. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries are often sweeter, so you may want to reduce the brown sugar in the sauce to adjust the sweetness.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The best way to check if the pork chops are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a moist chop.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork chops with the stuffing a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to allow extra time in the oven for the chilled chops, and baste them well to keep them moist.
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).