Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender pork chops grilled to perfection with a sweet and smoky whiskey glaze, paired with a refreshing pineapple salsa accented by charred peppers. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, whiskey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened to a syrupy glaze.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 bone-in pork chops with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Grill pork chops for 4 minutes per side, brushing with the whiskey glaze on each side during the last 4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: While grilling, char 1 medium red bell pepper directly over the flame or under a broiler until blackened on all sides. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes, then peel and dice.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, diced charred red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix well.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the charred pineapple salsa and an extra drizzle of whiskey glaze if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Whiskey-Glazed 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 Whiskey-Glazed 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple 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.

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