Pineapple Pork Chops

Sweet, savory and kid-approved? These pineapple pork chops are infused with a tangy and savory sauce that upgrades typical weeknight meals without requiring a ton of prep, grocery shopping or time. And that sauce? It tastes like your favorite takeout but will be at your door far faster than delivery.

Between prep and cooking you’ll have these pork chops with pineapple on the table in 3o minutes.

Ingredients for Pineapple Pork Chops

• Pork loin chops: This cut of meat is tender and juicy. The flavor is mild enough that it allows the pineapple sauce to really shine.
• Shallots: The shallots are slightly sweet and slightly savory. They add aromatic depth. Event though shallots are a little milder, you can also use onions here.
• Pineapple preserves: We all need more pineapple preserves in our life. These are sweet and tangy and can help the meat caramelize during cooking.
• Soy sauce: The salty and umami notes in soy sauce balance the pineapple’s sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a little additional tang. The spicier notes cut through the sweeter elements of the sauce. (You can also make your own Dijon mustard.)
• Green onions: These enhance the dish’s savory qualities when sprinkled on fresh. You can also use scallions here.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pork

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Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the pork chops until a thermometer reads 145°F, about six to eight minutes on each side. Remove the pork from the pan and reserve the drippings.

Step 2: Make the sauce

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In the same pan, saute the shallots in the drippings until they’re lightly browned. Whisk together the pineapple preserves, soy sauce and Dijon. Add this mixture to the pan. Bring this to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until it is slightly thickened, which should take about five minutes.

Step 3: Combine the pork and sauce

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Add the pork chops back to the pan and turn to coat. Sprinkle with sliced green onion.

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Pineapple Pork Chops Recipe Variations

• Mix up your meat: Chicken also works well with this dish. It is mild enough that it combines well with the pineapple sauce.
• Add ginger: Ginger and pineapple are a tantalizing combo; add some minced ginger into the sauce for a little extra zing.
• Sub your fruit: You can sub in other fruit preserves for a twist on the dish, like peach or mango.

How to Store Pineapple Pork Chops

Let these pineapple pork chops cool after cooking, and you can then store them in the fridge for up to three days. We recommend reheating on the stove.

Can you freeze pineapple pork chops?

Most certainly. Once the pork chops have cool, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Pineapple Pork Chops Tips

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How do I keep my pork chops from going dry?

Temperature is the main culprit behind a dry pork chop. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it doesn’t get above an internal temperature of 145°.

Can you make this pineapple pork chop recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Sub in tamari for the soy sauce and you should be good to go. You can also use coconut aminos, although this tastes more similar to teriyaki sauce.

What are some healthy sides to serve with pork chops and pineapple?

There are a wide variety of options to serve, including roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli or a quinoa salad loaded with fresh produce. Don’t forget a side of rice or roasted red potatoes.