What’s better than regular pork chops? Jamaican brown stew pork chops!
These pork chops bring the warm, comforting flavors of Caribbean cooking right to your dinner table. The meat gets nice and tender in a rich brown gravy loaded with onions, garlic, and classic island seasonings. If you think regular pork chops are good, wait until you try them cooked this way. My family asks for this dish at least once a week now, and I’m not complaining one bit.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian or vegan option, pork chops can be replaced with firm tofu or seitan. These alternatives absorb flavors well and provide a meaty texture. Adjust cooking time as these substitutes require less time to cook through. All-purpose seasoning can be substituted with a blend of herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika for those seeking to reduce sodium intake or avoid pre-made mixes. This allows for customization of flavors and control over salt content. Scotch bonnet pepper can be replaced with habanero or jalapeño peppers for those who prefer less heat or have difficulty finding scotch bonnets. Adjust the quantity based on desired spice level, as scotch bonnets are typically hotter than these alternatives.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-70 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35 g
Ingredients
For the pork chops:
- 2 pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the seasoning blend:
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tbsp everyday seasoning
- 1 tsp pork seasoning
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- vegetable oil (for searing, about 2-3 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
For the stew:
- 1 tbsp sugar (brown sugar is also great)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (left whole for aroma, or finely chopped for heat)
- 1 tbsp browning seasoning (for color and flavor)
- mixed bell peppers (1 red, 1 green, sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- spring onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 1 cup water
- fresh thyme (a few sprigs)
- 1 carrot (peeled and sliced)
- 4 tbsp ketchup (I use Heinz)
- garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- pimento seeds (6-8 whole seeds)
- ginger (1-inch piece, grated)
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Blend
Begin by gathering the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon everyday seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon pork seasoning.
Blend all the seasonings together in a bowl until well mixed.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Lay out your pork chops and generously pour the blended seasonings over them.
Rub the mixture into the chops thoroughly to ensure they are well coated on all sides.
Step 3: Fry the Pork Chops
Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium high heat until hot.
Fry the seasoned pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
Once browned, remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add the following ingredients: 4 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon browning sauce, thyme, bell peppers (various colors), carrots, onions, spring onions, ginger, garlic, pimento seeds, and scotch bonnet pepper.
Stir these ingredients together and then add 1 cup of water to the pan.
Stir in some additional all-purpose seasoning and salt to taste to enrich the sauce.
Step 5: Stew the Pork Chops
Return the browned pork chops to the pan along with the carrots, scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento seeds.
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes on low heat, allowing the chops to become tender.
Step 6: Final Simmer and Serve
After 30 minutes, check the tenderness of the pork chops.
Add the bell peppers to the pan and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Once finished, garnish the pork chops with fresh spring onions.
Serve the stewed pork chops with rice and peas and a side salad for a complete, flavorful meal.
Enjoy!
