Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is a family favorite for many reasons. Here’s why you’ll want to make them:- Flavor-Packed: The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice creates a marinade that infuses the pork chops with sweet and savory flavors.
- Tender, Juicy Results: Pineapple juice contains just the right amount of acidity to help tenderize the meat perfectly, as in our Grilled Steak Tacos.
- Prep-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the pork chops overnight for the best flavor! It’s the ideal prep-ahead party recipe!
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy, using ordinary pantry ingredients to produce extraordinary flavor.
- Perfect for Summer: This is one of those recipes that makes you grateful for the summer grilling season.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Pork Chops—We use center-cut pork chops, which are about 3/4 inch thick each. They’re the perfect thickness for grilling, and they have just the right amount of fat to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Brown Sugar—We use light brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness to the marinade and to caramelize the outside, giving the pork chops a beautiful crust.
- Pineapple Juice—Aside from providing great flavor, pineapple juice has the acidity needed to break down the proteins in the pork chops, making them extra tender.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Ground Ginger—These pantry seasonings add a depth of flavor to the marinade.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitutions:- Pork Chops: You can use bone-in pork chops or even pork tenderloin if you prefer. The cooking time will vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
- Various Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Dry pork chops with paper towels and poke holes in them. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and spices.
Place pork chops in the marinade and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat the grill and cook the pork chops for about 4 minutes on each side.
Grill the desired amount of pineapple rings until grill marks appear.
Serve on top of grilled pork chops. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:- Marinate Overnight: We recommend marinating the pork chops overnight or up to 2 nights for the best flavor. Coat the pork chops in marinade chill in fridge. This can be done a day in advance, making it a great prep-ahead option.
- Prep the Marinade: You can also prepare the marinade a few days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and when you’re ready to cook, just give it a quick stir before using.
What to Serve With Grilled Pork Chops
Salads- We love the fresh flavors of this Summer Italian Pasta Salad along with these tender pork chops.
- Asian Pasta Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing is one of our family favorites to serve alongside grilled pork chops!
- Wild Rice Pilaf goes with almost any meal you’d like to serve it with, but especially grilled pork chops.
- You’ll also love it with Coconut Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice for a complete meal.
- You can’t go wrong with some Instant Pot Baby Potatoes or these Extra Crispy Smashed Potatoes!
- Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette also works beautifully with pork chops for a delicious summer picnic meal everyone will enjoy!
Grilled Pork Chops With Marinade
Prep Time: 20 minutes minsCook Time: 8 minutes mins
- 4 pork chops, center cut, about 3/4 inch thick each
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, regular strength, or Tamari (gluten-free )
- 1 can pineapple slices, with 1/4 cup juices reserved*
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- oil, for grilling
- fresh parsley, optional, chopped for garnish
In a very large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk to combine well.
Place pork chops in bowl, taking care to ensure both sides of each chop are fully coated and immersed in marinade. Cover tightly and chill in fridge at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight for best flavor.
Grease and preheat your outdoor grill or indoor cast iron grill. Once grill is hot, remove chops from marinade, and grill on medium-high heat about 4 minutes per side, or until there are deep grill marks and center is no longer pink. You want it fully cooked, but take care not to overcook the meat.
If using outdoor grill, you can use marinade for brushing on the meat during the first couple minutes of cooking, but not towards the end of cooking time. Discard excess marinade.
Notes
- Poking holes in the pork chops is a small but essential step. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, giving it a more intense flavor.
- Marinating your pork chops overnight is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to infuse the meat fully and gives you the best-tasting results.
- If you prefer not to include pineapple rings, you can buy pure pineapple juice to use for the marinade. Don’t skip the pineapple juice, as the acidity helps with tenderizing the meat.
- Indoor cast iron grills may cook rather quickly. Actual cook time depends on the thickness of your chops, the temperature of your grill, and the temperature of your meat before cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops have reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve with Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette and Wild Rice Pilaf.
