Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salsa
Juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and spicy maple-chili sauce, paired with a fresh charred corn salsa for a smoky contrast. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends (about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, maple syrup, chili powder 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 420 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 pieces (about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups (from 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the glaze.
- Step 2: Brush both sides of 4 bone-in pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat them evenly with half of the maple-chili glaze. Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, brushing with remaining glaze during the last 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking slightly. Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and char them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until browned and smoky.
- Step 4: Transfer the charred corn to a bowl and mix in 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Stir to combine and season with salt if needed.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the charred corn salsa while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn 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 Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn 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 Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn 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 Grilled Maple-Chili Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Corn Salsa?
American 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.