Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops for a Fast Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of heat to the dish, consider stirring in a dash of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste when you add the teriyaki sauce. This creates a sweet and spicy flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized pineapple.

If you prefer a more pronounced ginger flavor, grate a small amount of fresh ginger into the sauce as it begins to bubble, which adds a refreshing brightness to the savory notes.

For a complete meal, serve these pork chops alongside steamed white rice or a crisp cucumber salad. The rice is excellent for soaking up the excess teriyaki glaze, while the salad provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the pork.

If you have leftover sauce in the pan, you can drizzle it over the rice or vegetables just before serving to ensure none of that delicious, sticky pineapple-infused flavor goes to waste.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Pork: Stir in one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the teriyaki sauce while it simmers to add a pleasant heat that complements the pineapple.
• Ginger-Infused Chops: Add one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the skillet when you pour in the teriyaki sauce for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile that enhances the pork.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, keep the sauce and the pork together, as the glaze helps protect the meat from drying out. When ready to enjoy again, ensure the leftovers are reheated until steaming hot to maintain food safety standards, and always let the leftovers cool for no more than 2 hours before placing them in the refrigerator.

You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. However, the pork chops themselves are best when cooked fresh just before serving.

You can trim and prep the pork chops, keeping them covered in the refrigerator, to save time during the actual cooking phase. This simple preparation allows you to assemble the meal quickly when you are ready to eat, ensuring the freshest possible result.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork chops immediately while they are hot and the glaze is at its stickiest. Place one chop on each plate and top with a caramelized pineapple ring, spooning any remaining sauce from the skillet over the meat. This presentation highlights the beautiful, dark glaze and the vibrant color of the pineapple, making for an appealing and professional-looking dinner that is ready in minutes.

Pair the pork chops with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, which can be lightly tossed in the leftover pan sauce. The combination of the tender, glazed pork, the sweet pineapple, and the crisp vegetables creates a well-rounded dining experience.

If you are serving a larger group, you can easily double the recipe, provided you have a large enough skillet to accommodate the extra chops without overcrowding.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops for a Fast Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops, bone-in
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, store-bought or made ahead
• 4 pineapple rings, canned or fresh

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until browned on both sides, ensuring the meat begins to cook through evenly.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and add the pineapple rings. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken into a sticky glaze that coats the chops and pineapple.
3. Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18.5 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.