Chili Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa is one of the best pork chop recipes I’ve ever made.
Chili Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Several years ago, the National Pork Board gave me this recipe to try. I don’t make pork chops that often because I usually kill them and they’re all dried up for serving! But if I have a good recipe in hand, that usually helps. This is not only a good pork chop recipe. It’s an excellent pork chop recipe! My family asks me to make this one over and over again. It’s really delicious!
🛒 Ingredients Needed:
- chili powder
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- brown sugar
- pineapple
- jalapeno
- lime juice
- pork chops
✏️ How to make Chili Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa:
*The complete, printable recipe with all ingredients and instructions is at the end of this post.
PREPARE THE CHOPS:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with the spice mixture. Let the chops sit at room temperature while you prepare the salsa.
PREPARE THE SALSA:
- Prepare a stovetop or outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill the pineapple and jalapeño until lightly charred (2 to 3 minutes per side). Remove from the grill and dice the pineapple and jalapeño. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, jalapeño and lime juice. Season to taste with salt.
GRILL THE CHOPS:
- Grill the pork until an internal temperature reaches between 145℉ and 160℉ (4 to 5 minutes per side). Serve chops with the grilled salsa on top.
➡️ Tips and Substitutions:
- Use canned pineapple if you don’t wish to buy fresh.
- Boneless pork chops may be used, but keep an eye on how long you grill them. You don’t want to dry them out!
- Grill the chops on your stovetop grill (or outdoors, if you’re ready for that!) I love this indoor grill pan– the cast iron surface is a good substitute for an outdoor grill.
✔️ About Pork Chops:
Pork chops come in various cuts and styles, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Here are some common types of pork chops:
- Rib Chop (Bone-In): Cut from the rib section of the loin, these chops include a portion of the bone. They are marbled with fat, which enhances flavor and tenderness during cooking.
- Center-Cut Chop (Bone-In): These chops are cut from the center of the loin and include part of the tenderloin muscle. They are typically leaner than rib chops but still offer good flavor.
- Boneless Chop: Boneless pork chops are cut from various parts of the loin and are prized for their convenience and ease of cooking. They cook quickly and evenly due to their uniform thickness.
- Sirloin Chop (Bone-In): Cut from the hip end of the loin, these chops are less tender than those from the rib or center-cut but are flavorful. They are often a more affordable option.
- Blade Chop (Bone-In): Also known as blade steaks or shoulder chops, these cuts come from the shoulder region and contain more connective tissue. They are typically less expensive but can be very flavorful when cooked properly.
- Pork Loin Chop: These chops are taken from the back of the pig, specifically from the loin. They are usually lean and tender, especially when cooked quickly over high heat.
- Thin-Cut Chop: Thin-cut chops are sliced thinly from various parts of the loin or rib. They are ideal for quick cooking methods like pan-frying or grilling.
And there it is… the grilled pork chop topped with grilled pineapple salsa!
My family nearly applauded when they tasted these for the first time. The pork is tender as can be. Finally, this is one recipe where I didn’t kill the pork chops. And that grilled pineapple salsa you see on top is pretty wonderful too.
Here are a few more pork chop recipes you might enjoy:
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you’ll find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.
Chili Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
CHOPS:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Four ¾-inch thick (24 ounces) bone-in pork center loin chops, trimmed
PINEAPPLE SALSA:
- Three ½-inch thick slices fresh pineapple, trimmed
- 1 medium jalapeño, halved lengthwise (seeds and ribs removed)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- salt, to taste
Instructions
PREPARE THE CHOPS:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with the spice mixture. Let the chops sit at room temperature while you prepare the salsa.
PREPARE THE SALSA:
- Prepare a stovetop or outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill the pineapple and jalapeño until lightly charred (2 to 3 minutes per side). Remove from the grill and dice the pineapple and jalapeño. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, jalapeño and lime juice. Season to taste with salt.
GRILL THE CHOPS:
- Grill the pork until an internal temperature reaches between 145℉ and 160℉ (4 to 5 minutes per side). Serve chops with the grilled salsa on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We have been using this recipe for the last few years and fix it several times every summer. We LOVE IT! Now that I know you had success doing it on the stove in a grill pan, I can serve it several times in the winter as well!! Tonight I am serving it with cilantro lime rice with black beans.
This recipe was off the hooook! I added a few extras to my salsa like red onion and tomatoes… and the store was out of jalapeno so I subbed a pablano pepper, which gave it a little kick! At the end of the meal my husband and our friend were debating how much they would pay for that meal in a restaurant… I think that means they liked it 😉
Made this last night–my husband and I both loved it! Such a simple, flavorful meal. Thank you!!
I made this the very same day that I read it on your blog. My family loved it!! And I have a niece that loves all of my recipes, so I am giving her this one!! Thanks so much for your wonderful blog, and facebook page!