Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are absolutely tasty! With juicy pork chops covered in a sweet and tangy sauce, this dish is a fun twist for dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a taste of the sauce—it’s just that good! It pairs perfectly with rice, and the whole family loves it. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork chops or chicken breasts work well too, just remember to adjust cooking times.
Bell Peppers: The red and green bell peppers add lovely color and crunch to the dish. Feel free to swap in yellow or orange peppers for a different flavor, or even add broccoli or snap peas for a veggie boost!
Pineapple: Pineapple adds a sweet twist! If you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned is fine. Just make sure to drain the juice. For a non-fruity option, omit it and add more veggies instead.
Sauces: The ketchup in the sauce gives that signature sweet and sour taste. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor, using tomato sauce or a homemade sweet and sour sauce is a great alternative.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the sauce just right is key! After adding your vegetable mix to the skillet, you want to simmer the sauce so it gets thick and rich. Here’s how:
- Make sure to mix your cornstarch and water well. This slurry helps thicken the sauce quickly!
- Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce while it’s bubbling. This helps avoid lumps and ensures even thickening.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes more after adding the slurry. You’ll notice the sauce starts to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Your sweet and sour sauce should be glossy and cling well to the pork chops. If it’s too thick, add a little more water slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’ll bring everyone to the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning your pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step brings out the flavor in the meat, and it’s super easy!
2. Cooking the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. When done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and both bell peppers. Sauté these vibrant veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crunchy. If you’re using pineapple, toss it in now and stir everything together!
4. Making the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, and water until well combined. This sauce is what gives your dish that delicious sweet-and-sour flavor!
5. Combining and Thickening:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with your veggies and bring it to a simmer. Stir well to combine everything. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and is glossy.
6. Finishing Touches:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, placing them into the sauce and coating them with the delightful mixture. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pork is warm and surrounded by that flavorful sauce.
7. Serve It Up:
Garnish the dish with sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serve your vibrant Sweet and Sour Pork Chops hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, and enjoy this fabulous meal!
Dig in and savor every bite of your delicious Sweet and Sour Pork Chops—meal time has never been so delightful!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops are a great alternative. Just keep an eye on them while cooking, as they may need a slightly shorter cooking time, around 3-4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water for moisture if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple?
No problem! If you don’t have pineapple, you can simply omit it. You can also substitute it with other fruits like mango or leave it out for just the savory flavors from the peppers and sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even diced jalapeños to the sauce. Just adjust according to your spice preference!