Caramelized Pineapple Pork Loin Chops
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with these Caramelized Pineapple Pork Loin Chops. Tender, juicy boneless pork loin chops are marinated in a tangy caper and Dijon sauce, then seared to perfection. Topped with sweet and caramelized pineapple rings, these chops are a perfect blend of savory and sweet. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, and it's best served over fluffy brown rice to soak up all the delicious juices.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Loin Chops
6-8 (one inch thick)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Capers
1 tablespoon
Caper Juice
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons, divided ((Splenda brown mix can be used as a substitute))
Pineapple Rings
1 (8 ounce) can (drained, reserve juice)
Red Onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Sprinkle both sides of the pork loin chops with salt and pepper.
2
Using a meat mallet, pound the chops to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Place the pounded chops in a zip-lock plastic bag.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the capers, caper juice, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and the reserved pineapple juice until well combined. Pour this marinade into the zip-lock bag with the pork chops, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, although 4 hours is recommended for maximum flavor.
4
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onions and sauté for about 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, push them to one side of the skillet and reduce the heat to medium.
5
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess sauce drip off. Add the chops to the skillet, browning them for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once browned, transfer the chops to a warm platter and cover them to keep warm.
6
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet along with the sautéed onions, cooking on medium-high heat until the mixture reduces by half. Once reduced, push the onion marinade to the side and return the pork chops to the skillet.
7
Cut the pineapple rings in half, and place a half ring on top of each pork chop. Spoon the reduced onion marinade over the pineapple. Sprinkle each chop with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar.
8
Allow the skillet to cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sugar has melted and the pineapple is heated through.
9
Serve these mouthwatering chops hot, ideally over a bed of brown rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
13g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Pineapple Pork Loin Chops?
This is a savory-sweet main course featuring boneless pork chops marinated in a tangy caper and Dijon sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple rings.
What cut of meat should I use?
The recipe specifies using 6 to 8 boneless pork loin chops, ideally one inch thick before preparation.
How thick should I pound the pork chops?
Using a meat mallet, pound the chops to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade is made from capers, caper juice, Dijon mustard, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and reserved pineapple juice.
How long should the pork marinate?
It is recommended to marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, although 4 hours provides maximum flavor.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, a Splenda brown mix can be used as a substitute for the brown sugar in this recipe.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as a gluten-free main course.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat does this recipe contain?
This dish contains 8.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of onions are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped red onions.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped red onions for about 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
What is the first step in cooking the pork?
After marinating, remove the chops from the bag, let excess sauce drip off, and sear them in a skillet with olive oil.
How long do I sear the pork chops?
Brown the chops for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What should I do after browning the chops?
Transfer the chops to a warm platter and cover them to keep them warm while preparing the sauce.
How do I prepare the sauce in the skillet?
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the sautéed onions and cook on medium-high heat until it reduces by half.
How do I prepare the pineapple?
Drain an 8-ounce can of pineapple rings (reserving the juice for the marinade) and cut the rings in half.
How is the pineapple added to the chops?
Place a pineapple half ring on top of each chop and spoon the reduced onion marinade over it.
What is the final step for the topping?
Sprinkle each chop with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar melts.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is ideally served hot over a bed of fluffy brown rice to soak up the juices.
What tools do I need for the meat?
You will need a meat mallet for pounding the chops and a zip-lock plastic bag for marinating.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to season the meat.
What amount of capers is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of capers and 1 tablespoon of caper juice.
How much Dijon mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
A total of 2 tablespoons of brown sugar is used, divided between the marinade and the topping.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onions and browning the pork.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as ideal for either a family dinner or a special occasion.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The dish is a fusion of savory and sweet, featuring tangy capers and mustard paired with sweet caramelized pineapple.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
While the recipe calls for canned rings and juice, you could use fresh pineapple if you have a separate source of pineapple juice.