This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Grilling season is upon us and a good pork chop is hard to beat. I created a recipe for jerk inspired pork chops with pineapple salsa that you will want to grill up all summer long. I partnered with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to create these chops that are perfect for summer and are full of flavor thanks to the pork marinade. These pork chops will transport you to the Caribbean with their jerk inspired flavors and fresh pineapple salsa. Fire up those grills because these jerk inspired pork chops with pineapple salsa are going to delight your taste buds in every way.
I start out by making a marinade that has a base of Tony Chachere’s Pork Marinade and then add spices, garlic, green onions, and brown sugar to give it those signature jerk flavors that are so delicious. This marinade tenderizes the pork, keeps them moist while grilling, and gives it so much added flavor. I love to top these with a fresh pineapple salsa that honestly is great on its own as well, but really adds a freshness that goes perfectly with the chops.
As far as the pork chops go, I really prefer a bone-in chop for flavor and I like them to be about an inch thick as well. If you choose to use boneless or a thinner bone-in chop, that is fine but just know your cook time will vary.
Tips for the grilling the perfect chop:
Marinate the chops for at least 30 minutes but up to a couple of hours.
Let the chops rest in the marinade at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling if possible.
Don’t overcook your pork chops, the internal temperature should be 145 when fully cooked through. I love using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chops do not overcook.
Don’t flip the pork chops too many times. Flip once while searing and then two more times while basting with the leftover marinade.
Let the pork chops rest before slicing. This ensures the juices will redistribute in the meat and won’t run out when you slice it.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, simply follow these steps with a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stove.
You can also substitute mango instead of the pineapple if you prefer, but either will be perfectly delicious and will brighten these chops right up. I like to serve the pork chops with some rice and black beans or with a simple side salad.
These jerk inspired pork chops with pineapple salsa are perfect for summer entertaining or any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
4 Bone In Pork Chops
1 Bottle Tony Chachere’s Pork Marinade
1 Finely Diced Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper
1 Tsp. All Spice
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp. Nutmeg
4 Finely Minced Garlic Cloves
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Bunch of Green Onions, Chopped
1 Tsp. Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
For the Salsa-
2 Cups Chopped Pineapple
1/2 Cup Finely Diced Red Bell Pepper
1/4 Cup Finely Diced Red Onion
1 Finely Diced Jalapeno
2 Tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Tsp. Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tsp. Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
Freshly Chopped Cilantro
Directions:
Make marinade by combining Tony Chachere’s Pork Marinade, habanero pepper, all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, brown sugar, green onions, and Tony Chachere’s original Creole Seasoning in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Add pork chops to a plastic zipper bag or glass baking dish and pour half of the marinade over top, reserving the rest. Let marinade for at least an hour but up to overnight.
Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.
Remove pork chops from the bag and place onto the hot grill and sear for 3-4 minutes per side on direct heat, and then move to indirect heat and continue to cook another 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, only turning once and basting with the leftover marinade to keep those chops juicy.
Remove pork chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
While pork chops cook, make salsa by combining pineapple, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, orange juice, lime juice, Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning, and cilantro and stir to combine.
Serve the salsa over the pork chops and enjoy.
These jerk inspired pork chops with pineapple salsa are not only delicious, but look how gorgeous they are also! I can’t wait for you to give these a try for yourself.