Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork chops grilled with a sticky spiced rum glaze paired with a bright tropical pineapple salsa for a sweet and smoky contrast. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends spiced rum, brown sugar, soy sauce 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup spiced rum, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Stir and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon; remove from heat.
  2. Step 2: Brush both sides of 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork chops for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the rum glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss to mix and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the pineapple salsa and extra rum glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with 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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