Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa
Juicy grilled pork chops brushed with a sweet bourbon glaze, served alongside a vibrant pineapple salsa infused with Caribbean rum for a tropical kick. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp Caribbean rum
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes syrupy; remove from heat.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 bone-in pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Brush the pork chops generously with half of the bourbon glaze and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and chops have grill marks.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp Caribbean rum, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently to mix and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Remove pork chops from grill, brush with remaining bourbon glaze, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the rum-infused pineapple salsa for a bright, sweet contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Caribbean Rum Pineapple Salsa?
Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.