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Tropical Jerk Pork Chops Recipe

Tropical Jerk Pork Chops Recipe

4.8 from 23 reviews

Tropical Jerk Pork Chops combine the bold, spicy flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning with a touch of sweetness and acidity from lime juice and brown sugar. Perfectly marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, these pork chops offer a delightful balance of heat and tropical freshness. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick)

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Pork Chops: In a bowl, mix together Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this marinade evenly over the pork chops. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more intense flavor, refrigerate and marinate overnight.
  2. Preheat Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear the meat. This ensures a nice crust on the pork chops when cooking.
  3. Cook Pork Chops: Place the marinated pork chops on the grill or pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the meat juices run clear, indicating the pork is fully cooked but still juicy.
  4. Rest: Remove the pork chops from heat and let them rest on a plate for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and flavorful chops.
  5. Serve: Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve them hot, ideally accompanied by tropical fruit sides like pineapple salsa or mango salad, or with steamed rice to complement the vibrant jerk flavors.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops overnight.
  • Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier, but boneless are quicker to cook.
  • Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning based on your heat preference.
  • Serve with a side of grilled pineapple, mango salsa, or coconut rice for a tropical meal experience.
  • Make sure to let the pork rest after cooking to keep it tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tropical Jerk Pork Chops, Jamaican pork chops, jerk seasoning recipe, grilled pork chops, Caribbean pork recipe, spicy pork chops, tropical marinade