Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad

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

Juicy grilled pork chops rubbed with bold Cajun spices paired with a vibrant, smoky charred corn salad for summer grilling. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub 3 tbsp olive oil and the spice mix evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F, with a slight char.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, place 4 ears of husked corn directly on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are charred and tender. Remove and let cool.
  4. Step 4: Cut kernels off cooled corn cobs into a large bowl. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled pork chops hot with a generous scoop of the charred corn salad on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salad?

American grilling 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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