Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork chops seasoned with a fiery jerk spice blend and topped with a fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy finish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, jerk seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brush 4 bone-in pork chops with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then rub evenly with 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with 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.

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