Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops
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Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops bring the tropical vibes with juicy chops and a sweet, sticky glaze that’s topped with caramelized pineapple rings! Ready in just 20 minutes and as tasty on the grill as they are sizzlin’ on the stovetop!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
🍴 Dinner in a Flash: From grill or stovetop to your table in just 20 minutes, it’s faster than takeout and way more delicious.
🍍 Sweet meets Savory: A sticky glaze made with pineapple juice and soy sauce is the perfect Hawaiian combo.
🙌 Little Effort - Big Flavor: No marinade, no fuss! Just a few pantry staples and hurray... dinner’s done!
I’m crazy about any recipe that feels a little tropical, especially if it involves pineapple. The first time I made this, my husband thought it tasted like a restaurant-quality dish. Now it’s on our weekly go-to menu!
Pork chops with pineapple are a total game-changer! Whether I’m grilling out or keeping it simple on the stovetop, this dish never disappoints. Serve it with jasmine rice and a side of roasted broccoli for the perfect meal.
Love the other white meat? Be sure to try my Honey Glazed Pork Chops for a sweet and savory twist, plus Bone-In Pork Chops that are made with garlic-rosemary butter. Oh my!
Ingredient Notes
Chops
- boneless pork chops (½-inch thick)
- canned pineapple rings, drained (reserve juice)
- avocado oil, (divided)
- salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger
Glaze
- reserved pineapple juice
- brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar
- garlic clove, minced
- cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Step by Step Instructions
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Prep the Meat
Pat meat dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger in a small bowl. Rub pork with oil and season both sides evenly.
Cook the Pork
Heat grill pan over medium-high. Brush with remaining oil. Add meat and sear 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and internal temp reaches 145°F. During the last minute of cooking, brush meat with half of the glaze on both sides. Gas Grill? Preheat it to 400ºF. Sear pork chops 5 minutes per side as directed above.
Grill the Pineapple
Remove meat and tent with foil. Add pineapple rings to the pan and grill 1-2 minutes per side until golden with grill marks. You can use the same method on an outdoor grill.
Serve
Top each pork chop with a grilled pineapple ring and drizzle with remaining glaze.
Variations
- Use Bone-in chops: Add 1-2 minutes per side for thicker cuts
- Sub Fresh pineapple: Slice into rings and juice for the glaze
- Less sugar: Cut the brown sugar in half for a milder taste
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy finish
What to Serve With Pineapple Pork Chops
- Wild rice pilaf or jasmine rice
- Smothered green beans, lemon butter asparagus, or oven roasted broccoli
- Side salad with lemon vinaigrette, or Mexican street corn pasta salad
- Sweet potato casserole or mashed cauliflower
Helpful Tips
- Chops should be ½ inch thick. Thicker cuts need more time.
- Don’t skip resting the meat! 5 minutes keeps juices locked in.
- Brush glaze at the end to avoid burning the sugars.
- Use a nonstick or cast iron pan for best sear.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, just juice it or use a splash of juice in the bottom of a cored pineapple container.
This recipe is quick and flavorful without a marinade.
You can make the glaze in advance and refrigerate it. Pork chops are best cooked fresh.
Storing Leftovers
Store: Place pork chops and pineapple in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Freeze: Not recommended because the glaze changes texture after freezing.
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Recipe Card
Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- grill pan (or gas grill)
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about ½-inch thick)
- 4 canned pineapple rings (drained - reserve juice)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Glaze
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice from can
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add cornstarch mixture and stir constantly until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pat raw pork chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger.
- Rub both sides of pork chops with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, then sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chop.
- Heat a grill pan or gas grill to medium-high heat; brush with oil.
- Add the seasoned pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush half of the glaze on both sides of the pork chops. Remove pork chops to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- Add remaining oil to the grill pan or gas grill and add pineapple rings. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks.
- Serve each pork chop topped with a grilled pineapple ring and drizzle with remaining glaze.
Notes
- Leftovers: Pineapple Pork Chops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm pork chops in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
- To Freeze: Not recommended due to the glaze’s texture after freezing.
- Chops should be ½ inch thick. Thicker cuts need more time.
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- Brush glaze at the end to avoid burning the sugars.
- Don’t skip resting the meat! 5 minutes keeps juices locked in.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
Your directions are so easy to follow. Thank you for creating such yummy recipes. This pineapple chicken is delightful.