Craving a tropical flavor explosion that'll transport your taste buds straight to the Hawaiian islands? Get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering Aloha Pork Chops that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a Polynesian chef! These juicy, sweet-and-savory pork chops combine the perfect balance of tangy pineapple, rich soy sauce, and caramelized brown sugar that will have everyone begging for your recipe. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary vacation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each chop generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust.
- Once the pork chops are browned, reduce the heat to medium and pour the pineapple and marinade mixture over the chops in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and let the pork chops cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices.
- Serve the pork chops warm, topped with the pineapple chunks and sauce from the skillet. Enjoy your Aloha Pork Chops with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Choose thick-cut pork chops for the best texture and juiciness
- Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked pork
- Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops for 1-2 hours before cooking if you have time
- If you don't have a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for achieving a great sear
- Serve with rice or grilled vegetables to complement the Hawaiian-inspired flavors
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 305kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
