Caramelized Pineapple & Smoked Pork Chops
Elevate your dinner table with this delectable recipe for Caramelized Pineapple & Smoked Pork Chops. This dish plays on the beautiful combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring tender smoked pork chops complemented by caramelized pineapple and sweet onions. If smoked pork chops are unavailable, bone-in pork chops will work just fine. The recipe may seem extensive with its mix of stovetop and oven cooking, but the final result is a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked pork chops
6 (can substitute with bone-in pork chops)
pineapple slices
6 (with juice)
brown sugar
1/3 cup
spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons
sweet onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
butter
4 tablespoons (for caramelizing onions)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for cooking pork chops)
garlic cloves
1-2 large (crushed)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized skillet over low-medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add brown sugar, stirring until it fully dissolves.
3
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the finely chopped sweet onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
4
Add the pineapple slices along with their juice to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Lower the heat and allow them to caramelize for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
5
Next, fill a large skillet with 1.5-2 cups of water and bring it to a rapid boil. Carefully add the pork chops to the boiling water and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove them from the water and set aside.
6
In another large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7
Stir in the spicy brown mustard, mixing well with the garlic butter. Season both sides of each pork chop generously with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
8
Cook the pork chops undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on each side, until a delightful golden-brown crust forms. When done, remove from heat and let them rest for 2 minutes.
9
Transfer the pork chops to a large ungreased glass baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Top each chop with a slice of caramelized pineapple and spoon the onion mixture over them.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), adjusting based on the thickness of your chops. Serve warm and enjoy the flavorful blend of caramelized pineapple and smoky pork!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Caramelized Pineapple & Smoked Pork Chops?
This dish features a delectable combination of savory and sweet flavors, highlighting tender smoked pork chops, caramelized pineapple, and sweet onions.
Can I substitute smoked pork chops with another cut?
Yes, if smoked pork chops are unavailable, bone-in pork chops will work just fine for this recipe.
What side dishes pair well with this pork chop recipe?
This meal pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many pork chops does this recipe serve?
The recipe calls for 6 smoked pork chops, making it suitable for a family dinner.
How do I prepare the onions for caramelizing?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over low-medium heat, add brown sugar, and then add one medium finely chopped sweet onion.
How long should the onions cook?
Cook the onions until tender, which takes about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
Do I need to include the pineapple juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies adding the pineapple slices along with their juice to the skillet for caramelization.
How long does it take to caramelize the pineapple slices?
Allow the pineapple slices to caramelize in the skillet for 5-7 minutes.
Why are the pork chops boiled in this recipe?
The pork chops are boiled in 1.5-2 cups of water until they are no longer pink in the center, typically taking 5-6 minutes.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard.
How much garlic is required for the pork chops?
You will need 1-2 large crushed garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the crushed garlic in melted butter for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
How should the pork chops be seasoned?
Season both sides of each pork chop generously with salt and pepper.
How long do I sear the pork chops in the skillet?
Cook the pork chops undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
Should the pork chops rest after searing?
Yes, once removed from the heat, let the pork chops rest for 2 minutes.
What type of baking dish should I use?
Use a large ungreased glass baking dish to arrange the pork chops in a single layer.
How do I assemble the dish for baking?
Top each seared pork chop with a slice of caramelized pineapple and spoon the onion mixture over them.
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
Bake the pork chops for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork chops?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies using 4 tablespoons of butter for onions and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the pork chops.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
While the mix of stovetop and oven cooking makes it extensive, it is described as perfect for weeknight dinners.
How much water is used for boiling the pork chops?
Use 1.5 to 2 cups of water in a large skillet.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of slices?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 pineapple slices to be placed on top of each of the 6 pork chops.
What should I do if my pork chops are very thick?
Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your chops to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
No, the recipe instructions state to use an ungreased glass baking dish.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pork chops, pineapple, caramelized, smoked meat, easy dinner, sweet and savory, and comfort food.
Should the mustard be mixed with anything?
Yes, stir the spicy brown mustard into the skillet with the garlic butter before adding the pork chops.
What kind of onion is best for this dish?
A medium sweet onion, finely chopped, is recommended for the best flavor profile.