Sweet and sour pork chops are a tasty dish that mixes tender pork with a yummy sauce made of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. It’s a fun combo of flavors that really tickles your taste buds!
I love serving these pork chops with rice, as it soaks up all that delicious sauce. Plus, it’s a hit with family and friends—perfect for those nights when you want to impress without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer boneless, those work too! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness, but you can use green or yellow bell peppers for a different taste. If you want a touch of heat, add some diced jalapeños instead.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple tastes fantastic, but canned works too. Just drain it well! If you’re avoiding pineapple, mango could be a fruity alternative.
Brown Sugar: It gives that rich sweetness. You can swap it for coconut sugar or honey if you prefer a less processed option.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork chops can be tricky, but here’s how to keep them juicy:
- Start with medium-high heat; don’t rush the cooking process. Searing develops flavor!
- Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy as the juices redistribute.
With these tips, you’ll have tender and flavorful pork chops every time! Enjoy making your Sweet and Sour dish with confidence.
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- For the Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- To Serve:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll be enjoying your Sweet and Sour Pork Chops in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the flavors. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned and fully cooked. When done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cooking the Veggies:
In the same skillet where you cooked the pork chops, add in the diced red bell pepper, pineapple chunks, sliced carrots, and chopped green onions. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. The mix creates a colorful and tasty base for your dish!
3. Making the Sauce:
While the vegetables are cooking, grab a bowl and whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar (or white vinegar), brown sugar, and soy sauce. This will be the perfect sweet and tangy sauce for the pork chops. Once the veggies are ready, pour this sauce into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Thickening the Sauce:
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Keep cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon nicely.
5. Combining it All Together:
Return the cooked pork chops back into the skillet, ensuring each chop is coated well with the sweet and sour sauce. Let them cook together for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Serving:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the juicy pork chops on each plate, spooning the delicious sauce and vegetables over the top. Serve with a generous helping of cooked white rice on the side, and don’t forget to garnish with extra chopped green onions for that fresh crunch!
Enjoy your flavorful Sweet and Sour Pork Chops with steamed rice and a side of veggies! This dish is sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for bone-in pork chops, you can substitute them with boneless chops or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can replace it with diced mango or even apple chunks for a sweet flavor. Just be mindful that cooking times might slightly vary!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork chops and sauce ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop before serving. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick.
