Introduction
These Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The juicy pork chops are marinated in a zesty mixture of pineapple juice, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garlic, then seared to golden perfection and finished with a caramelized glaze. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
📝 Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (or crushed pineapple with juice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: pineapple slices, green onions, or sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and vinegar. Mix well. - Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place pork chops in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour in the marinade.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours for best flavor). - Sear the Chops:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove pork chops from marinade (reserve the liquid) and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. - Make the Sauce:
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the pork is cooked through (internal temperature: 145°F / 63°C). - Caramelize (optional):
Add pineapple chunks or rings during the last 2 minutes to let them caramelize in the glaze.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Roasted sweet potatoes or Asian slaw
🌿 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chops (with sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.