Sweet, savory, and sizzling with tropical flair—your weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade.
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:
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.