Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops
ADVERTISEMENT
Sweet, savory, and sizzling with tropical flair—your weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade.
ADVERTISEMENT
While the marinade brings bold flavor to the table, proper prep is what turns good pork chops into great ones. A few simple techniques make all the difference:
ADVERTISEMENT
- Brining ensures juicy, well-seasoned meat—even a quick 30-minute soak works wonders.
- Searing first creates a golden crust and locks in flavor before finishing in the oven.
- Cooking to 145°F guarantees tender, safe-to-eat pork.
- Resting before slicing keeps those delicious juices right where they belong.
With minimal hands-on time, these Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops deliver a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both family-friendly and dinner-party worthy. The sweet-savory balance is irresistible—even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. And the marinade? Keep it on hand—it’s a tropical game-changer for pork, chicken, or shrimp.
🧂 Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Chops | Bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick) | 4 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons (cut into 4 pieces) | |
| Brine (Optional) | Kosher salt | ¼ cup |
| Warm water | 4 cups | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Ice | 1 cup | |
| Marinade | Freshly grated ginger | 4 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Honey | 1½ tablespoons | |
| Room temperature butter | 2 tablespoons | |
| Coconut aminos | 3 tablespoons | |
| Reserved pineapple juice | 2 tablespoons | |
| Sea salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| For Serving | Pineapple rings (fresh or canned) | 4 |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | As desired |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brine the Chops (Optional)
Whisk salt into warm water until dissolved. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, and ice. Add pork chops and brine for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. - Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Reserve 2 tablespoons for finishing. - Marinate the Pork
Rub pork chops with marinade and let sit for 15 minutes. - Sear the Chops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops for 3 minutes per side until browned. Top each with ½ tablespoon butter. - Finish in the Oven
Transfer skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 5–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. - Rest & Serve
Let chops rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with reserved marinade. - Grill the Pineapple
Grill pineapple rings for 4 minutes per side until caramelized. Serve alongside pork chops and garnish with fresh cilantro.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair these chops with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a vibrant veggie stir-fry. A fresh pineapple salsa would also be a perfect match. However you plate them, these chops are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something savory with a tropical twist.
