Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops

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

Seared pork chops glazed with a rich, caramelized dark rum sauce infused with brown sugar and warm spices. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs chops (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, dark rum, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 cloves minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/3 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until glossy. Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon glaze over them. Serve chops drizzled with the dark rum glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops?

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 dark rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops?

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 Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops 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 Dark Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pork Chops?

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.