... Pan-Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

When I came across this recipe, it looked so fresh and colorful, so Spring-y, that I couldn't pass it up.  It's finally time to hit the patio and fire up the grill.

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can make it inside or outside... or both like we did.  Flexibility is a wonderful thing, no?  Rich grilled the pork chops outside (because "the man is in charge of the meat", clearly) :) and I made the salsa inside... in a skillet, not a grill pan, because that's what you do when you're flexible (and don't happen to have the proper cooking gear).

Pan-Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
serves 4

4 (4 ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, divided
4 (1/2 inch thick) slices pineapple
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper

Combine pork and 1 tablespoon juice; let stand 10 minutes.  Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray.  Add pineapple and onion; cook 4 minutes on each side or until onion is tender.  Coarsely chop pineapple and onion; combine in a medium bowl with remaining 2 teaspoons lime juice, jalapeno, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.  Sprinkle pork with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.  Heat grill pan over medium-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray.  Add pork; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done.

Taylor's Notes:
As I mentioned, I grilled the pineapple and onion in a skillet.  Not ideal, but it certainly worked and besides lacking the nice, brown grill marks, you wouldn't know the difference.  We left the seeds in the jalapeno which gave it a kick (and if you read this blog and know us, you know that's how we do) but you could certainly leave the seeds out if you like less heat.


Don't you love the internet?  When I forgot to bring the recipe to Rich's, it was so easy to just look it up online and jot down the grocery list.  The other great thing is that people make comments to the recipe after they've made it, so you can pick up on their coulda-woulda-shoulda's.  One gal mentioned that she paired it with cilantro rice and we thought that was such a great idea that we decided to try our hand at creating our own.  I know, right, we actually made up a recipe.  Go figure... or... Go Us!!  So, in case you think it's a great idea, too, here's what we did:
Cook white rice based on the package instructions.  Toss in about a quarter cup or so of fresh cilantro and squeeze in about half of a medium lime.  That's about it... easy, right?  And easy to adjust based on how much you like cilantro and lime.  I do think it could have used a little salt, so you might toss in a couple pinches.  Or, in the beauty of making up your own recipe, add whatever else you'd like!


Now, get out there, fire up the grill and enjoy the weather!