Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled pork chop, its juicy interior complemented by a vibrant, zesty pineapple salsa that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure. This isn't just another recipe – it's a mouthwatering journey that combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled meat with the bright, tropical punch of fresh pineapple. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone at your table with a dish that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the pork chops.
- Place pork chops on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, creating nice grill marks and achieving about 45% of the cooking process.
- Flip the pork chops and continue grilling for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare to medium doneness.
- Remove pork chops from the grill and let them rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender result.
- Top each grilled pork chop with a generous portion of the fresh pineapple salsa, ensuring an even distribution of the bright, tangy mixture.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while the pork chops are still hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach the perfect 145°F, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat every time.
- Prep Like a Pro: Pat your pork chops completely dry before seasoning to achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent steaming.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat incredibly tender.
- Salsa Tip: Prepare the pineapple salsa 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Grill Maintenance: Clean and lightly oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure perfect grill marks.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add a small diced jalapeño to the salsa for an extra kick of heat if you're feeling adventurous!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 251kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
