Smoky Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops
Smoky Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops is a Mexican recipe categorized as dinner, main course, with 45 min of prep, 15 min of cooking, and 1 hr total. It yields 4 servings.
Pork chops are marinated and glazed with pineapple juice, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. High heat caramelizes the glaze while the pineapple and chipotle provide sweetness, acidity, smoke, and chile heat.
Mealtime: Dinner, Main Course
Type: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free
Cooking Time: 30-Minute Meal
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Seasonal Preference: Summer BBQ
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 750mg
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (approx. 6 oz each)
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Step by Step Instructions
- 1. Begin by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- 2. In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, chopped chipotle peppers, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- 3. Place the pork chops into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for more flavor.
- 4. Once marinated, remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- 5. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- 6. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional marinade onto the pork chops for extra flavor.
- 7. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- 8. While the pork chops are resting, prepare the garnish by dicing fresh pineapple and chopping cilantro.
- 9. Serve the pork chops on a plate with the diced pineapple and cilantro sprinkled on top for a fresh finish.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, these smoky chipotle pineapple glazed pork chops deliver a satisfying balance of protein and bold flavor with a moderate amount of calories.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Utensils
- Large mixing bowl for marinating
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise seasoning
- Whisk or fork to combine glaze ingredients
- Tongs for turning chops on the grill or skillet
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan for cooking pork chops
- Sharp knife and cutting board for garnishing pineapple and cilantro
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Within two hours of cooking, divide leftover Smoky Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops into shallow portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze sooner if they will not be used in that window.
Reheating
Reheat Smoky Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops gently in a covered skillet over low to medium-low heat with a small splash of the original sauce to retain moisture and flavor. Turn or stir as needed for even heating and verify that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Practical Cooking Notes
chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring tools, grill or grill pan.
Whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, or veal must reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a three-minute rest.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Tips
Can I make this recipe without grilling?
Absolutely! While grilling adds a lovely smoky char, you can also pan-sear the chops over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet (cast iron works great) and finish them in the oven for a caramelized crust and juicy interior.
How do I control the spice level?
Start with one chipotle pepper in adobo and taste the marinade before adding more—each pepper brings both heat and depth. If you prefer mild, remove the seeds or swap in a milder smoked paprika blend for warmth without the kick.
Can I use this glaze with other proteins or vegetables?
The pineapple-chipotle glaze is versatile—brush it over chicken thighs, shrimp skewers, tofu, or grilled pineapple slices. Just adjust cooking times so the glaze caramelizes without burning.
How do I know when Smoky Chipotle Pineapple Glazed Pork Chops is done?
Whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, or veal must reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a three-minute rest.