Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy grilled pork chops glazed with a sweet-spicy rum marinade, served alongside a fresh pineapple salsa. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends about 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops, dark rum, 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 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: While the pork marinates, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Toss gently and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade, reserving the marinade.
  5. Step 5: Grill pork chops for 5 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade during the last 4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges have a caramelized glaze.
  6. Step 6: Let pork chops rest 5 minutes before serving with a generous scoop of the pineapple salsa on top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Caribbean Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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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