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Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops with a Zesty Twist

grilled pineapple teriyaki pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy grilled pork chop recipe featuring a sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade with fresh pineapple and a zesty lime-ginger twist, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or chunks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium mixing bowl until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
  2. Place pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each chop is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours but no more than 12 hours. Turn occasionally for even absorption.
  3. Slice fresh pineapple into rings or chunks and pat dry with paper towels to prevent steaming on the grill.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C).
  5. Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove and set aside.
  6. Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess drip off. Brush grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade (discard any marinade that touched raw meat). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; target internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
  8. Transfer pork chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve pork chops hot with grilled pineapple on top or on the side, garnished with sliced green onions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

Pat pineapple dry before grilling to avoid steaming. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking pork chops. Marinate for 3-4 hours for best flavor but no longer than 12 hours to prevent meat breakdown. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control grill flare-ups. Optionally reserve some marinade before adding pork to boil down as a glaze, but cook thoroughly to avoid contamination.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pork chops, teriyaki pork chops, pineapple pork chops, grilled pineapple, summer BBQ, easy pork recipe, zesty pork chops