These grilled pork chops are juicy and full of flavor, topped with a bright and sweet nectarine salsa. Perfect for summer cookouts when you want something tasty and fresh!
The combination of savory pork and fruity salsa is a match made in heaven. I love serving this dish with a side of rice or a simple salad. It’s a tasty meal that everyone enjoys! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my go-to for extra flavor and moisture. If you can only find boneless chops, that’s fine too; just adjust the cooking time since they’ll cook faster! Also, for a leaner option, pork loin or tenderloin works well.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinating and grilling but you could also use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer something with a higher smoke point.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but the smoky flavor will be missing. For a bit of heat, mix in some cayenne pepper.
Nectarines: Fresh nectarines bring sweetness to the salsa, but peaches or even mango can substitute beautifully. Just keep the fruit fresh and ripe for the best flavor!
Jalapeño: If you like it spicy, add the jalapeño! If you shy away from heat, you can skip it or use a milder pepper, like a poblano.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can grill them to perfection! The key is to allow the pork to sit at room temperature after seasoning. Here’s how to do it:
- Rub the pork chops with olive oil and the spice mix, ensuring you cover every inch!
- Let them rest for 15-20 minutes to lock in the flavors and bring them to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to avoid sticking.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—145°F means they’re perfectly cooked!
- Let them rest for 5 minutes after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute.
Following these steps will give you juicy, flavorful pork chops every time!
Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Nectarine Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Nectarine Salsa:
- 2 ripe nectarines, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 15-20 minutes to prep the pork chops and salsa, and then another 10-15 minutes to grill everything to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by mixing the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the pork chops with olive oil, coating them evenly. Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chops, making sure each one is well covered. Let the chops sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
2. Make the Nectarine Salsa:
While the pork chops are marinating, let’s whip up the salsa! In a medium bowl, combine the diced nectarines, red bell pepper, chopped onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and add salt to taste. Give everything a good mix and set it aside so the flavors can come together nicely.
3. Heat Your Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Before cooking, oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil to prevent sticking—this will help achieve those gorgeous grill marks!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pork chops on the hot grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork. Once they’re grilled to a beautiful char, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to dig in! Place each grilled pork chop on a plate and generously top with the fresh nectarine salsa. It’s best enjoyed immediately alongside a refreshing side like rice or a simple salad.
Enjoy your succulent grilled pork chops topped with that bright, sweet, and slightly spicy nectarine salsa! Perfect for any backyard gathering or family dinner. 🌞
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that boneless pork chops will cook faster than bone-in chops, so adjust the grilling time to about 3-4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Nectarines?
No problem! Peaches or even ripe mango can be used as a delicious substitute for nectarines in the salsa. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and in season for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa up to a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before serving to mix up the ingredients again.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, making sure to cover them to retain moisture!
