Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients
For the Tropical Jerk Marinade:
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork Chops:
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, chopped habanero peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground allspice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Pork Chops:
Grill Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the pork chops on the grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have a nice char.
Rest Chops: Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve:
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips:
Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating will enhance the jerk and tropical flavors.
Grilling: Ensure the grill is well-preheated to achieve a good sear and grill marks. Avoid moving the chops around too much.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to 145°F (63°C).
Enjoy your Tropical Jerk Pork Chops—a flavorful and spicy dish with a touch of tropical sweetness, perfect for a delicious dinner!