Fruited Pork Chops

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Are you looking for a dinner recipe that’s equal parts comforting and exciting? Fruited Pork Chops may just become your new go-to! This dish combines the savory richness of tender pork chops with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

The juicy pork chops are simmered in a flavorful gravy infused with garlic, ginger, and oregano, then topped with sweet pineapple slices for a tropical twist. Served over fluffy Jasmine rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning—ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a small dinner party.

What’s even better? This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together with minimal effort in under an hour. With easy-to-find ingredients and a mix of sweet and savory flavors, Fruited Pork Chops are sure to impress your family or guests without keeping you tied to the kitchen.

Pro tip: It’s also highly customizable—turn up the heat with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce, or use fresh pineapple for an extra zing. Whether you’re cooking for two or planning leftovers, this recipe is a winner!

Serves 2

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes

Total calories per serving (with rice): 530 calories

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 pork chops (1 inch thick)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• ½ can sliced pineapple (with juice)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground garlic (or 2 cloves minced garlic)

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably Jasmine rice)

Directions:

1. Season and Brown the Pork Chops

   • Season the pork chops with a pinch of salt and pepper.

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook until well-browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. Check Internal Temperature

   • After browning, check the internal temperature of the pork chops using a meat thermometer. The target temperature is 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops. Set them aside temporarily if they’ve reached this temperature; otherwise, proceed with simmering.

3. Prepare the Gravy Base

   • In the same skillet, stir in the chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

   • If the pork chops haven’t reached 145°F during browning, return them to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove the pork chops and set them aside.

4. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture

   • Drain the pineapple slices, reserving the juice. Add enough water to the juice to make ½ cup if needed.

   • In a small bowl, mix the reserved liquid, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

5. Thicken the Gravy

   • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet gravy. Add the pineapple slices and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.

6. Serve

   • Arrange the pork chops over cooked Jasmine rice on individual serving plates.

   • Spoon the thickened gravy and pineapple slices over the pork chops.

   • Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Additional Notes for the Cook

• Internal Temperature for Pork: Pork chops are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), with a slight pink center. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Rest the pork chops for 3 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

• Pineapple Options: If you don’t have canned pineapple, you can use fresh pineapple slices with ½ cup of pineapple juice or orange juice for the liquid.

• Sweetness and Acidity: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference. For a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar slightly.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.

• Make-Ahead Tip: The gravy can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply add the pineapple slices and simmer briefly before serving.