Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops
Sweet, savory, and bursting with island-inspired flavor—this is the weeknight dinner your routine’s been missing.
The marinade delivers bold, tropical notes, but it’s the technique that transforms these pork chops into a standout dish. A few smart prep steps make all the difference:
- Brining adds moisture and depth—just 30 minutes is enough to enhance juiciness.
- Searing locks in flavor and forms a beautiful golden crust.
- Cooking to 145°F ensures the pork stays tender and perfectly cooked.
- Resting the meat helps retain every flavorful drop of juice.
With very little active cooking time, these Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops make for a satisfying, protein-rich meal that’s equally at home on a busy weeknight or your next dinner party menu. The tropical-sweet marinade? Save it—it’s a must 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 (divided) | |
| Brine (Optional) | Kosher salt | ¼ cup |
| Warm water | 4 cups | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Ice | 1 cup | |
| Marinade | Fresh grated ginger | 4 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Honey | 1½ tablespoons | |
| Butter (room temp) | 2 tablespoons | |
| Coconut aminos | 3 tablespoons | |
| Pineapple juice (reserved) | 2 tablespoons | |
| Sea salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| For Serving | Pineapple rings (fresh or canned) | 4 |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | To taste |
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brine the Pork (Optional)
Dissolve kosher salt in warm water, then stir in vinegar, brown sugar, and ice. Submerge pork chops in the brine and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
2️⃣ Make the Marinade
Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside 2 tablespoons for later.
3️⃣ Marinate the Chops
Rub the pork chops all over with the marinade and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
4️⃣ Sear the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Top each chop with ½ tablespoon butter.
5️⃣ Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 5–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6️⃣ Let It Rest
Remove chops from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
7️⃣ Grill the Pineapple
Cook pineapple rings on a hot grill or skillet for about 4 minutes per side until caramelized. Serve alongside the pork and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve these flavorful chops with roasted baby potatoes, coconut rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra punch of freshness, try topping with pineapple salsa. No matter how you serve them, these pork chops bring a delicious tropical twist to your table.
