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When you’re craving a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Havana, look no further than these Cuban-style pork chops. Grilled to perfection and topped with juicy pineapple rings, this dish is a flavor-packed journey to the heart of Cuba. Not only is this meal a delightful mix of savory pork and sweet tropical fruit, but it’s also impressively quick to whip up. It’s that perfect weeknight dinner when you want a splash of adventure without the fuss!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Marination: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the pork chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (for a deeper flavor, consider letting them sit overnight).
  2. Grill Setup: Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it over a medium-high flame.
  3. Cooking Pork Chops: Lay the marinated boneless pork chops on the grill. Since they’re boneless, they’ll cook faster. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, ensuring they’re charred to perfection and fully cooked.
  4. Grilling Pineapple: After you’ve flipped the pork chops, place the pineapple rings on the grill. Let them cook for roughly 3 minutes per side, ensuring they get a delightful caramelized finish.

Notes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime truly elevate the tropical flavors of this dish. For an authentic Cuban experience, serve with a side of black beans and rice. Want to add some kick? A hint of chili powder in the marinade will do the trick. Enjoy this feast with a refreshing mojito or even just lime-spiked sparkling water for a delightful pairing. And remember, marination is key—the longer, the better!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition