Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to make. With just a few pantry staples and a little time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It's a great way to switch things up from regular fried or grilled pork chops, bringing a touch of Asian-inspired goodness to your table.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs or Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Small Saucepan (Optional)
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick – Bone-in chops tend to be juicier, but boneless works just as well!
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps create a light crust on the pork when pan-fried.
- 2 tablespoons oil
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup – Adds a rich tomato base and slight sweetness.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – Gives the sauce its signature tangy flavor.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar or honey – I prefer brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice or water – Pineapple juice gives a slight tropical twist but water works too!
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water slurry – Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.
Optional Garnishes & Extras:
- ½ cup diced bell peppers red, green, or yellow
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks – If you love a fruity touch in your sweet and sour sauce!
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops (5 minutes)
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a flavorful base.
- Lightly coat each pork chop in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a thin crust that helps the sauce cling later.
- Pro Tip: If you prefer extra crispy pork chops, dip them in a beaten egg before dredging in flour for a light batter effect.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops (7-8 minutes per side)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the pork chops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Let them cook without moving for about 7-8 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 7-8 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Pro Tip: If using thicker pork chops (1.5 inches or more), reduce the heat slightly and cook longer to ensure they cook through without burning.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce (5 minutes)
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and pineapple juice.
- Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes until glossy.
- Pro Tip: Be patient while stirring—this is where the magic happens! The sauce will thicken up beautifully, creating that irresistible sweet and sour glaze.
Step 4: Combine & Simmer (5 minutes)
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, making sure to coat them well in the sauce.
- If using bell peppers or pineapple chunks, add them in now for extra color and flavor.
- Cover and let everything simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the pork to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pro Tip: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a serving plate.
- Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh touch.
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Sodium: ~600-800mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.