Sweet And Sour Pork Chops
Sweet and sour pork chops combine tender pork with a tangy, flavorful sauce featuring pineapple, carrots, and a hint of soy. This hearty dish offers a balanced mix of sweet, sour, and savory notes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rice or vegetables on the side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the pork chops in vegetable oil.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet.
- In the skillet, combine ReaLemon and cornstarch and mix well.
- Add brown sugar, chopped onion, soy sauce, and chicken flavor bouillon cube. Stir until the bouillon dissolves.
- Return the pork chops and sliced carrots to the skillet.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with green pepper rings.
- Serve hot with rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in the ReaLemon and soy sauce mixture for an hour before cooking. You can substitute the pineapple chunks with canned peaches for a different twist. If you prefer a thicker sauce, adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency. Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust sweetness or acidity.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet and Sour Pork Chops dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider offering a side of Chicken Fried Rice for a delightful combination of flavors to impress your family or guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking the pork. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork Chops contains roughly 542 calories, with 3g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% 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 instead of center cut?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops; just reduce the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption. The sweet and sour sauce will still complement the meat perfectly.
What can I substitute for ReaLemon?
If you don't have ReaLemon, fresh lemon juice will work just as well. You can also use lime juice for a different citrus flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste, as fresh juices might be more or less acidic than bottled lemon juice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Sweet and Sour Pork Chops, consider incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy side, such as Spicy Orange Chicken, to enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.
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).