T’s Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting and delightful flavors of T’s Sweet and Sour Pork Chops—a recipe cherished and shared by a dear friend from my teaching days in Texas. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a frequent favorite on our dinner table. With a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s not only delicious but also makes for a hassle-free meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish will surely become a staple in your cookbook. Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet mouthwatering meal!
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 Pork Chops
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green Pepper, chopped
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup
- 1 Cup Pineapple Chunks (with juice)
- 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
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Brown the Pork Chops: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook until they are nicely browned on both sides. This step adds a delicious, savory flavor to the chops. Once browned, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5 minutes. The aim is to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, pineapple chunks (along with the juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This tangy and sweet sauce is the heart of this dish.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the browned pork chops to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork chops and veggies, ensuring everything is well coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour. The pork chops will become tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
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Serve: After an hour, uncover the skillet and give everything a gentle stir. The sauce should be slightly thickened, and the pork chops will be fork-tender. Serve the sweet and sour pork chops over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the delicious sauce to soak into the rice for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 353.7
- Fat Content: 14.4 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 5 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 75 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 950.6 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.2 grams
- Fiber Content: 1.5 grams
- Sugar Content: 28 grams
- Protein Content: 24.3 grams
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before browning them.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or snap peas to the dish for added crunch and color.
Enjoy this delightful meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor! 🍍🥩🍚
