Grilled Tobago-Style Jerk Pork Chops

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

Juicy pork chops marinated in a fiery jerk spice blend with island herbs, charred over high heat for a smoky, bold flavor. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each pork loin chops, lime juice, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Coat 4 pork loin chops evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to develop deep flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and place on the grill.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the edges are nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of side dishes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tobago-Style Jerk Pork Chops take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tobago-Style Jerk 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 lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tobago-Style Jerk 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 Grilled Tobago-Style Jerk 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 Grilled Tobago-Style Jerk 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.

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