Grilled Jerk Pork Chops

Name: Grilled Jerk Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 bone-in pork chops, approximately ¾ inch thick; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for serving; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried); 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, peeled and quartered; 1 teaspoon sugar

Recipe GLPRf103c0de3af647

Caribbean

Main Course

20 min

115 cal

Servings: 4

Oven

Grill

SNAP eligible

Caribbean-inspired grilled pork chops with a bold, aromatic jerk marinade featuring fresh thyme, allspice, and cayenne. The pork is marinated for several hours then grilled until golden and juicy, finished with fresh cilantro.

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Ingredients

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 bone-in pork chops, approximately ¾ inch thick

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, peeled and quartered

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Combine the black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, allspice, kosher salt, olive oil, quartered onion, and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency.
Arrange the pork chops in a shallow baking dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before grilling to allow them to come closer to room temperature.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip the chops once and continue grilling for another 4 to 5 minutes, keeping the grill lid closed as much as possible. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part, away from bone.
Transfer the grilled pork chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro over the pork chops and serve immediately. Accompany with lime wedges if desired.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

Every ingredient is stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and Kroger without exception—jerk seasoning is mainstream now, and pork chops are a reliable Charlotte staple. At roughly $2 per pork chop plus pennies for spices and oil, you're looking at $10–12 for four servings, or $2.50–3 per plate, which is solid protein pricing. The stated 20 minutes is honest for grilling if you account for marinade time; if marinating longer than listed, real time is closer to 30 minutes active plus soak, though the actual grilling is fast. This is a no-fuss weeknight dish that doesn't demand attention at the grill, though pork chops dry out on reheats, so leftovers are best eaten the same night or shredded cold into a salad.