Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy grilled pork chops rubbed with a regional spice blend, served with a refreshing charred pineapple salsa that balances sweet and smoky flavors. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 37 minutes blends (1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops, brown sugar, smoked paprika 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) and rub both sides generously with the spice blend. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear, with nice grill marks forming.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, char 1 cup diced fresh pineapple on the grill for 3-4 minutes until slightly blackened and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix charred pineapple with 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 finely chopped seeded small jalapeño. Stir to combine.
  7. Step 7: Serve grilled pork chops topped with the fresh, tangy pineapple salsa for a balanced flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred 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 Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred 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 Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred 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 Grilled Regional Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Charred 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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