20 Ways to Make Pork the Star of Your Dinner (2024)

Let’s talk pork. It’s not just for bacon anymore. We’ve rounded up some awesome pork recipes that’ll make you see this meat in a whole new light. From quick dinners to something a bit fancier, there’s something here for every kind of cook and eater. So, whether you’re looking to shake up your meal routine or just find a new favorite, you’re in the right place.

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Slow Cooker Pork Ragu

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Slow cooker pork ragu is the epitome of comfort. It’s a hearty, warming dish that shows off pork’s rich flavors in a way that chicken just can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Ragu

Simple Skillet Pork Chops

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Simple skillet pork chops are a testament to pork’s effortless charm. Just butter, garlic, and a skillet, and you get a moist, tender chop that rivals any chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Skillet Pork Chops

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

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Sweet and spicy pork ramen stir fry is a 20-minute wonder. Filled with vegetables, it’s a healthy, easy dinner that’s way more exciting than your typical chicken fare.
Get the Recipe:

Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops

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Sticky honey soy pork chops are a quick, flavorful dinner option. Marinate in the morning, cook in 20 minutes at night, and you’ve got a pork dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops

Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

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Glazed pork chops and apples, with a sweet pumpkin tea glaze, show pork’s sweet side. This dish pairs beautifully with poached apple slices for a cozy, autumn-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

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BBQ pulled pork nachos are a crowd-pleaser with a pork twist. Layered with cheddar, pickled red onions, and cilantro, or loaded with black beans, corn, and tomatoes for a hearty meal. A tasty way to show off pork’s fun side.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

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Instant Pot coconut pork is a game changer for pork lovers. Cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, it’s aromatic and tender. Perfect over turmeric ginger rice with dried fruit and almonds, it’s a dish that’ll make you forget about chicken.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

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Slow cooker balsamic pulled pork is comfort food redefined. Served over cheesy polenta and topped with avocado crema, it’s a juicy, hearty dish that elevates pork to new heights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Pork and Beans

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Homemade pork and beans is a quick, satisfying dish. Tender pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and soft navy beans come together in just 35 minutes, showcasing pork’s versatility and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Beans

Creamy Pork Chops

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Creamy pork chops are all about moisture and flavor. The use of a rich sour cream sauce enhances the pork, offering a mouthwatering alternative to your usual chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pork Chops

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

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Baked skillet gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella is comfort food at its finest. It’s a one-skillet meal that showcases pork’s versatility beyond the usual cuts.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Pork Cordon Bleu

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Pork cordon bleu, a twist on the chicken classic, reveals pork’s tender and juicy side. It’s a dish that proves pork can be just as elegant and enjoyable as any poultry dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork Cordon Bleu

Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel

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Grilled pork chops with grapes and fennel salad is an elegant, grill-only meal. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy pork, proving it’s not just about chops and roasts.
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Pork Tostadas

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Pork tostadas use leftover pulled pork in a creative way. This easy, delicious recipe is a fantastic way to give pork the spotlight in a fun and tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tostadas

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

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Pretzel crusted pork chops with maple dijon sauce bring a playful twist to your meal. Baked to perfection, they’re a healthy, protein-rich dish that’ll make you rethink pork’s potential.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Stuffed Delicata Squash

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Stuffed delicata squash filled with a savory mix of ground pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel. It’s a seasonal dish that highlights pork’s ability to pair well with sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

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Pork and cabbage stir fry is a quick, easy recipe that brings ground pork to life. With cabbage and mushrooms in a tasty sauce, it’s a meal that proves pork can be the star of any stir fry.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Pork Stir Fry

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This easy ground pork stir fry is a 20-minute meal that’s loaded with flavor. Topped with a savory peanut sauce, it’s a one-bowl wonder that proves pork can be the hero of any stir fry.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

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Sheet pan pork chop dinner is your busy weeknight savior. Juicy pork chops with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples, all in one pan. Easy prep, easy cleanup, and a flavor-packed meal that highlights pork’s versatility.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Harissa Grilled Pork Chops

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Spice up your pork routine with harissa grilled pork chops. Paired with a ripe peach and tomato salad, this simple, spicy meal puts pork front and center in your summer barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Grilled Pork Chops

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

20 Ways to Make Pork the Star of Your Dinner (2024)
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