Pineapple Pork Chops – One Pan
Pineapple pork chops are a quick and easy one-pan meal in a sweet and savory garlic brown sugar sauce with juicy pineapple tidbits. Rubbed with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika and then cooked in pineapple juice, these tender pork chops are exquisite.
Pineapple serves several functions in this delectable recipe. First, it adds a sweet, tangy, and almost sour taste that is absolutely perfect. Then, it soaks into the meat to make it extra juicy. However, the most important thing is that it tenderizes the pork, so every bite is extra soft and mouthwatering. Besides the pineapple, it has garlic, onion, and sweet brown sugar mixed in. There are so many flavors in just one simple dish.
Table of contents
Pineapple pork chops is a quick and easy one-pan meal that you can make in under 30 minutes, but they taste like you spent hours preparing them. The acid in the pineapple juice makes the meat tender and juicy making this one of our favorite pork chop recipes. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, or when you need something fast and easy, that tastes delicious.
A dish like this is phenomenal to put on the menu for a backyard tropical barbecue. The pineapple theme goes well with any summer party. But it can also be a nice meal to serve anytime of the year. This recipe is easy to make, so it is a comfort food that is perfect for serving whenever you crave it.
Are you looking for another pork chop recipe? Try my famous Grilled Pork Chops made with apple cider vinegar and lemon or these savory Mushroom Pork Chops made with heavy whipping cream and mushrooms.
Why you will love this recipe
- One-pan meal: It is incredible that this amazing dinner in made in a one pan! Such easy cleanup!
- Fast to cook: Make it in under 30 minutes, so its the perfect weeknight dinner.
- Goes with anything: Such a versatile dish, it pairs with so many things!
- Great for any time: Summer parties or winter comfort food, all are great to serve this unique dinner.
What you’ll need to make pineapple pork chops
Special items:
- Frying pan – this is a one-pan meal.
- Bowls
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients:
For the pork and sauce:
- Pork chops – I use four boneless pork chops.
- Pineapple tidbits – Unsweetened pineapple tidbits in juice.
- Maple syrup – Or honey will work too.
- Brown sugar – Adds a nice rich sweetness, and molasses flavor that is perfect in this sweet and savory dish.
- Soy sauce – For a salty umami flavor.
- Garlic cloves – It is best to mince fresh garlic right before using.
- Chopped cilantro – For serving.
- Olive oil
For the rub:
- Garlic powder – The powder works best for the rub.
- Onion powder – Same here. Use powder for the rub.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a sweet and smoky taste.
- Salt
- Pepper
How to make pineapple pork chops recipe?
- Prepare: First, mix all the rub ingredients together and rub it into the meat on each side.
- Sear: Next, heat up the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it is sizzling. Add the pork chops and sear them on one side for four to five minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Mix: While the pork chops are cooking, mix the pineapple juice, tidbits, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic in a medium bowl.
- Cook: After flipping them, cover the pork chops with the pineapple juice mixture and continue to cook them for about 10 minutes. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. By then, the pineapple juice should have reduced and thickened.
- Serve: Finally, serve your pineapple pork chops with pineapple sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro on top.
Baked pineapple pork chops:
- Preheat: First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Rub: Meanwhile, make the rub ingredients and rub them into both sides of each pork chop.
- Sear: Then, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it is hot, and sear them for four minutes per side.
- Mix: Meanwhile, mix the pineapple juice, tidbits, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic in a medium bowl.
- Bake: Lastly, add the pork chops to the prepared baking dish and pour the pineapple juice mixture on top of it. Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F.
- Serve: Finally, serve these delicious pineapple pork chops with pineapple sauce and a little cilantro over the top.
Expert tip
How to choose the best pork chops
Some people are very picky about their meat. For example, I only buy organic, grass-fed, soy-free meat from a certain butcher shop. But that is because this is what I do for a living. My meat has to be top quality for my recipes to be the best. However, even those who just buy their meat at the grocery store should know what to look for when buying pork chops. With the high prices we pay now, getting your money’s worth is essential.
First, the color should be light reddish pink, not white or pale pink, and not dark pink or red. The darker pinks may be from an older animal and will probably have a stronger flavor. The fat on the meat should be white and creamy with no dark spots. Marbling in the meat is good for flavor and tenderness, so I always look for at least a little bit of extra marbling.
Do not buy pork with dark bones, as that can be a sign of age. The smell should be fresh—in fact, there should not be any smell at all. Also, avoid anything with dark spots in the meat, broken bones, slimy spots, or spots that feel mushy. Be sure to look at the date.
Recipe variations:
- No soy sauce: Instead of soy sauce you can use coconut aminos.
- Another oil: We used olive oil, but you can use whatever cooking oil you want.
- No syrup: Feel free to use honey instead of maple syrup to sweeten your pineapple pork chops.
- Slices: You could also use pineapple slices or pineapple chunks instead of tidbits.
- Grill them: Grilled pineapple slices are even tastier on top of these to make grilled pineapple pork chops.
- Dijon mustard: Add Dijon mustard to your pineapple sauce to give your dinner a tangy flavor.
- Chicken broth: Add chicken broth to give your pineapple pork chops even more flavor.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Different cut: Instead of boneless, use bone-in or ribeye pork chops for a distinct flavor.
- No sugar: To cut all added sugar, leave out the brown sugar and use honey.
- Spicy: Make these spicy pineapple pork chops with my Cajun seasoning.
- Gluten-free: For those allergic to gluten, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Grill them: Grilled pineapple slices are even tastier on top of these to make grilled pineapple pork chops.
- Dijon mustard: Add Dijon mustard to your pineapple sauce to give your dinner a tangy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- It is always good to serve some bread to soak up the extra juicy sauce. These Amish potato dinner rolls are perfect for that and are easy to make in 30 minutes.
- Any kind of side dish will work with this meal from mashed potatoes, to fluffy pineapple fried rice, or steamed green beans.
- While guests are waiting, set out a bowl of chips and my pineapple salsa. It looks so perfect in its pineapple bowl.
- Looking for an adult beverage? I have a pineapple mango daiquiri recipe that is amazing.
- Drizzle some of my homemade orange sauce on top for even more flavor.
- For dessert, skip the pineapple and serve something different like lime sorbet.
Frequently asked questions
How does pineapple juice tenderize pork?
Pineapples contain an enzyme that breaks down the tough protein fibers in the meat to make it more tender. This process can occur during marination or when cooking. It also allows the meat to have a softer texture and absorb more moisture. Since pineapple tastes so delicious, it also adds a delicious sweet and tangy flavor the longer you marinate it. However, do not soak for more than 12 hours, or the meat will start feeling mushy.
Why are my pork chops still chewy?
No matter how long they are marinated or what is rubbed on them, if they are overcooked, pork chops will become dry and chewy. This is especially true with boneless pork. All pork chops are lean, but those without bones are incredibly lean, so ensure they are removed from the heat at 140 degrees F. They will continue to cook as they rest. I use a digital thermometer. Try a Bluetooth thermometer that will alert you when it is almost time to remove them.
Why do I need to rest my pork chops after cooking them?
Besides letting them finish cooking all the way, it also lets them reabsorb all the juices. The muscle fibers will absorb them as the meat rests, so it does not all leak out when sliced. According to America’s Test Kitchen, resting your meat for 10 minutes reduces lost juices by 60%. That is a lot of juice to lose. Besides the juices, the flavors also go with them. So, I suggest at least 10 minutes.
Can I marinate these first?
These can absolutely be marinated or brined before cooking. Mix them in pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, onion, brown sugar, and chicken broth for an hour before rubbing them. Or a marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, garlic, and brown sugar would also be delicious. Use what you like.
How to store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate for up to three days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Leftovers can also be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Defrost: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven for 15 minutes or in the microwave for two minutes.
More pork chop recipes:
Recipe tips:
- Let pork chops come to room temperature before cooking so they cook more evenly.
- Do not buy pork with dark meat or bones. Get rosy, pink meat with white creamy fat and marbling.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of pork. Remove them when they reach 140 degrees F and let them reach 145 degrees F as they rest.
- It is also important to rest the meat for at least 10 minutes, so the juices get absorbed back into the muscle fibers.
- Marinate these pork chops before rubbing them for extra juiciness and flavor.
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One Pan Pineapple Pork Chops
Ingredients
Rub:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Other ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon canola oil or olive oil
- 14 ounce can of unsweetened pineapple tidbits juice and fruit
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Chopped cilantro to serve
Instructions
- Pat dry the meat.
- Mix rub ingredients and season the pork chops on both sides really well.
- Place a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, and once hot, add the pork chops. Sear for 4-5 minutes or until golden on one side.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix pineapple tidbits, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Flip the chops to the other side, then pour the pineapple mixture into the pan. Continue to cook the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the sauce has reduced and thickened a bit, about 10-12 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.