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Sweet-And-Sour Chops
KetchupDinnerHealthy Eating

Sweet-And-Sour Chops

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (55 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Sweet-And-Sour Chops offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 26g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 490 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Sweet-And-Sour Chops offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Sweet-And-Sour Chops to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Sweet-And-Sour Chops, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 (20 ounce) can unsweetened
  • pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 small green pepper, cut into
  • rings
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • Hot cooked rice

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and salt

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add pork chops, one at a time, and shake to coat

Step 3: Technique & Execution

In a large skillet, brown chops in oil on both sides

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9- in. x 2-in. baking dish

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Top with pineapple and green pepper; set aside

Step 6: Technique & Execution

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, broth, vinegar, ketchup and water until smooth

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories490 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein26gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates32gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat10gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Sweet-And-Sour Chops

This chef-curated Sweet-And-Sour Chops offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 55 votes
Sweet-And-Sour Chops
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories25% DV
490 kcal
Protein52% DV
26g
Fat13% DV
10g
Carbs12% DV
32g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and salt

2

Technique & Execution: Add pork chops, one at a time, and shake to coat

3

Technique & Execution: In a large skillet, brown chops in oil on both sides

4

Technique & Execution: Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9- in. x 2-in. baking dish

5

Technique & Execution: Top with pineapple and green pepper; set aside

6

Technique & Execution: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, broth, vinegar, ketchup and water until smooth

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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