Name: 5 Ingredient Pineapple Pork Chops
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 pork chops; 1/2 cup soy sauce (or Tamari if gluten free); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like a lot of heat); 1 pineapple (peeled and cored and cut into pieces); 1 bunch of cilantro (chopped)

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These 5-Ingredient Pineapple Pork Chops are an easy, flavor-packed dinner made with juicy pork chops, salty soy sauce, a little heat from red pepper flakes, sweet fresh pineapple, and plenty of cilantro. The pork marinates ahead of time, cooks quickly on the grill or in a skillet, and finishes with warm pineapple for a simple sweet-and-savory meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with only five ingredients.
Full of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
Easy to prep ahead by marinating the pork.
Ready quickly once it’s time to cook.
Can be made on the grill or stovetop.
Naturally dairy-free and easy to make gluten-free.
Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.

Pork chops are so great for a quick cooking meal, but for some reason I had always passed them up while grocery shopping. Not anymore. Not after making this delicious pineapple pork chops recipe. It’s SO good, so flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner, and it’s this weeks’ Five Ingredient Friday recipe.

Tips for Success

Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes so they absorb plenty of flavor. You can also marinate them for up to two days for an easy make-ahead dinner.
Pour off and discard the marinade before cooking the pork.
Use a large nonstick skillet if cooking on the stovetop. If your skillet isn’t nonstick, coat it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Cook the pork over high heat to develop a flavorful golden exterior.
Avoid moving the pork chops around too much while they cook. Letting them sit helps them brown.
Add the pineapple after flipping the pork so it warms without becoming overly soft.
Let the pork rest for five minutes before slicing to help it stay juicy.
Sprinkle the cilantro over the dish at the end so it stays fresh and bright.

How Long Should You Marinate Pork Chops?

Marinate the pork chops in the soy sauce and red pepper flakes for at least 30 minutes. This is enough time to add plenty of flavor when you need a quick dinner.

For even more flavor, you can place the pork in the marinade up to two days ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Grill or Skillet Instructions

These pineapple pork chops can be cooked either on the grill or in a large nonstick skillet.

For the stovetop method, cook the pork chops over high heat for about four minutes. Flip the chops and cook for another three minutes, then add the pineapple pieces and remove the skillet from the heat. Allow everything to sit for five minutes before topping with cilantro and slicing the pork.

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your pork chops, so make sure they’re cooked through before serving.

Customizations

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Add extra red pepper flakes if your family enjoys more heat.
Substitute boneless or bone-in pork chops, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Add sliced red bell peppers or red onion alongside the pineapple.
Use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch, but drain them thoroughly first.
Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Replace the cilantro with sliced green onions if you don’t enjoy cilantro.

What to Serve With Pineapple Pork Chops

These sweet and savory pork chops pair well with:

Coconut rice
Cilantro lime rice
Asian Ground Turkey and Rice Bowl-inspired rice
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
Roasted broccoli
Grilled zucchini
Simple green salad
Cucumber salad
Rice noodles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marinate the pork chops overnight?

Yes. The pork chops can marinate for up to two days in the refrigerator, making this a great recipe to prep ahead.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari in place of traditional soy sauce and check the label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.

Can I use canned pineapple?

You can, although fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor. Drain canned pineapple very well before adding it to the pan.

Can I cook these pork chops on the grill?

Yes. Remove the pork from the marinade, grill until cooked through, and warm the pineapple briefly on the grill or add it to the cooked pork while it rests.

Is this recipe spicy?

The small amount of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat without making the dish especially spicy. You can reduce the amount for young children or add more for a spicier dinner.

Can I use thick-cut pork chops?

Yes, but thicker pork chops will need additional cooking time. Reduce the heat if the outside begins browning before the center is cooked.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pork chops and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating the pork, which can cause it to become dry. Add fresh cilantro after reheating for the best flavor.

More Easy Pork Recipes You’ll Love

These 5-Ingredient Pineapple Pork Chops are proof that an easy dinner doesn’t have to be boring. The soy sauce gives the pork plenty of savory flavor, the red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, and the juicy pineapple creates the perfect sweet contrast. Finish everything with fresh cilantro for a colorful, flavorful meal you can make on the grill or stovetop.