Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a tasty treat! The juicy pork chops are cooked in a zesty sauce made with pineapple and bell peppers, giving it a fun and colorful twist.
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but smile at the blend of flavors. It’s like a party on your plate! Serve it with rice for a complete meal that your family will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops; both work well. For a leaner option, try using chicken breasts. They cook quickly and still absorb the flavors of the sauce!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. If you don’t have them, any sweet peppers will do. Yellow or orange peppers are great substitutes for a sweeter flavor.
Pineapple Chunks: Pineapple is optional, but it adds nice sweetness. If you want to skip it, try using diced mango for a tropical twist or even apples for a milder sweetness.
Sauce Ingredients: If you’re avoiding sugar, you can replace brown sugar with honey or even a sugar substitute like stevia. For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy and Tender?
To keep your pork chops juicy, it’s important to not overcook them. Here are some tips:
- Pat the chops dry before seasoning to help them brown nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cook to about 145°F (63°C) for the best texture. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps the juices redistribute.
- Dredging in flour adds a nice crust while keeping moisture locked in. Just make sure to shake off excess flour.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
If you want a nicely thickened sauce, make sure to prepare the cornstarch slurry. Here’s how:
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth. This helps prevent clumps when added to the sauce.
- Add the slurry to your simmering sauce gradually while stirring continuously. This will help it thicken evenly and avoid lumps.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes after adding to ensure it thickens properly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more pineapple juice!
Enjoy making these Sweet and Sour Pork Chops; they’re simple and bursting with flavor!
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped green onions or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides of the chops with salt and black pepper. Next, dredge each chop lightly in flour, making sure to shake off any extra flour.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped red and green bell peppers. If you’re using onion, toss that in as well. Sauté the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still have a nice crunch. If you’re using pineapple chunks, add them now and let them warm for another minute or two.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the veggies and bring it to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
To thicken the sauce, carefully add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet while stirring constantly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Combine and Serve:
Now, return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce and veggies over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley for some color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Sweet and Sour Pork Chops hot, along with steamed white rice or your favorite side. Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can replace pork chops with boneless chicken breasts, which will cook quickly and absorb the same delicious flavors. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
How Can I Adjust the Sauce for Less Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or substitute it with honey or a sugar-free sweetener. Also, you can add a splash more vinegar to balance the flavors.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! To add spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level for the perfect kick!
