Tropical Pork Chops

Discover the vibrant flavors of the tropics with this irresistible Tropical Pork Chops recipe! Juicy, bone-in pork chops are marinated in a luscious blend of creamy coconut milk, zesty lime juice, and savory soy sauce, accented with fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Sear or grill to perfection, creating a golden-brown crust, then finish with a drizzle of a rich, tangy-sweet tropical sauce made from the marinade. Topped with caramelized pineapple rings and fresh cilantro, these pork chops balance sweetness and spice for a truly island-inspired dining experience. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or a crisp salad, this 40-minute recipe is a quick and flavorful escape to paradise!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (approximately 1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops
• 6 pieces pineapple rings
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Remove pork chops from the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the chops with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature while preparing the marinade.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This will be your tropical marinade.

Step 3

Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours, to let the flavors infuse.

Step 4

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. If grilling outdoors, preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

Step 5

Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Reserve the marinade to use as the base for a sauce later.

Step 6

Sear the pork chops in the hot skillet (or on the grill) for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 7

While the pork chops are resting, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. This will be your tropical sauce.

Step 8

In the same skillet or on the grill, lightly char the pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and warmed through.

Step 9

Serve each pork chop topped with a spoonful of tropical sauce, a pineapple ring, and a sprinkle of cilantro if desired. Pair with steamed rice or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1552 grams (1552.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2483

Total Fat 139.20g	178%
Saturated Fat 43.80g	219%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 544mg	181%
Sodium 3998mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate 104.50g	38%
Dietary Fiber 9.60g	34%
Total Sugars 78.90g
Protein 198.60g	397%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 207mg	16%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 3427mg	73%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 32.2%

Carbs: 17.0%