Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Juicy grilled pork chops brushed with a sweet whiskey glaze paired with a fresh, tangy charred pineapple salsa for a perfect summer meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends about 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops, whiskey, brown sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks pineapple
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Simmer for 8 minutes until the glaze thickens and is syrupy, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side, brushing each side generously with the whiskey glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: While pork rests, char 1 small pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks on the grill grates or in a grill pan over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until caramelized and lightly blackened.
- Step 5: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple chunks with 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently to mix.
- Step 6: Serve each grilled pork chop topped with a generous spoonful of the charred pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Pork Chops with Charred 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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled 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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled 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 Whiskey-Glazed Grilled 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.