Tiki-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender grilled pork chops served with a zesty pineapple salsa that balances sweetness and heat, inspired by Polynesian flavors. This polynesian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, ground cumin 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 350 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: 12 min Serves 4 Polynesian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 425°F). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly on all sides of 4 bone-in pork chops.
  2. Step 2: Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and outside has a nice char.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Stir until well combined and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chop topped with a generous scoop of the pineapple salsa for a bright, tropical contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Tiki-Style 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 Tiki-Style 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 Tiki-Style 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 Tiki-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa?

Polynesian Fusion 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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