Jerk Pork Chops
Juicy jerk pork chops with bold spices, perfect for grilling and baking, offering a smoky, flavorful experience suited for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. honey ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 4 bone-in loin pork chops, 8 oz. each, 1 inch thick ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together scallions, garlic, vegetable oil, lemon juice, honey, allspice, thyme, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and hot sauce to make the jerk seasoning.
- Place the pork chops in a large glass dish.
- Rub the jerk seasoning over both sides of the pork chops.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a grill pan over high heat.
- Place the pork chops on the grill pan and cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chops to a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the pork chops rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with buttered red skinned potatoes, string beans, and carrots.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the pork chops overnight instead of just 2 hours. If you don't have allspice, a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can work in a pinch. Consider using chicken or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same marinade for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These jerk pork chops pair beautifully with buttered red skinned potatoes, string beans, and carrots. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a mango salsa or a crisp salad. You can also explore more delicious pork recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain juiciness, or heat in a microwave on low power, ensuring not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerk Pork Chops contains roughly 161 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1969mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal juiciness.
What can I serve with jerk pork chops?
These chops are delicious with a variety of sides. Try serving them with grilled pineapple, coconut rice, or a fresh coleslaw to balance the spice. For a heartier option, consider pairing with mashed sweet potatoes.
How do I achieve a nice char on the pork chops?
To achieve a nice char, ensure your grill pan is preheated before adding the pork chops. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and let them cook undisturbed for the full 2 minutes on each side for the best sear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).