Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish
Juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and boozy rum sauce, paired with a tangy, spiced pineapple relish for a tropical flair. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 35 minutes pairs dark rum, brown sugar, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) pork chops, bone-in, about 1-inch thick
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1.5 lbs) generously with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove chops and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Step 4: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the rum glaze over them, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to coat and warm.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 6: Serve the rum-glazed pork chops topped with the spiced pineapple relish for a vibrant, tropical contrast of flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish?
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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish?
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 Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Chops with Spiced Pineapple Relish?
Caribbean caribbean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The spiced pineapple relish stole the show—sweet, tangy, and just the right heat. Served with rice and peas for a true island feast.
- ★★★★★
Authentic Caribbean flavors in every bite. Made it for my sister's birthday and everyone asked for the recipe twice.
- ★★★★★
My family went crazy for this! The pineapple relish balanced the rum glaze perfectly, and the pork chops stayed juicy even after searing.