Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate summer grilling sensation: Honey BBQ Pineapple Pork Chops! Imagine succulent, perfectly seared pork chops glazed with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, paired with caramelized pineapple that adds a tropical twist to your dinner plate. This mouthwatering recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned chef, these pork chops promise to be the star of your next meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup pineapple slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better searing and caramelization.
- Season both sides of pork chops generously with salt and pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot pan, allowing them to sear without moving for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip pork chops and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Brush generously with honey BBQ sauce on both sides, turning and coating evenly.
- Add pineapple slices to the pan, grilling them alongside the pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side until they caramelize.
- Continue cooking pork chops until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), about 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let pork chops rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate pork chops, garnish with grilled pineapple slices, and drizzle with additional honey BBQ sauce if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough, dry meat.
- Pat dry for perfect sear: Remove excess moisture from the pork chops to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to guarantee both safety and optimal tenderness.
- Don't rush the caramelization: Allow the pineapple and pork chops to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior by not moving them too quickly in the pan.
- Rest your meat: Always let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Choose the right pan: A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works best for creating a perfect sear and developing rich, deep flavors.
- Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the honey BBQ sauce to your taste, adding more sweetness or tang as you prefer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
