Pineapple Grilled Pork Chops -AND- Sweet & Savory Coconut Rice

 

This meal will definitely be eaten at our house MANY times from now on.  My husband and I couldn't quit eating even after we were full!  The pork chops got a little over done (Oops!), but were still DELICIOUS! The rice was PERFECT with the meat and the grilled pineapple just topped it off!

Pineapple Grilled Pork Chops

Thank you jhopkins from allrecipes.com for your excellent marinade!

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple rings, juice drained and reserved

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

4 pork chops

1 pinch ground black pepper

1. Mix together the drained pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder together in a large plastic zipper bag, and smush the bag a few times with your hands to mix the marinade and dissolve the sugar. Place the pork chops into the marinade, squeeze out any air in the bag, seal it, and refrigerate overnight. Reserve the pineapple rings.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
3. Remove the chops from the marinade, shaking off excess, and grill until browned, the meat is no longer pink inside, and the meat shows good grill marks, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Brush several times with marinade and let the marinade cook onto the surface of the meat. Discard excess marinade. While the meat is grilling, place 4 pineapple rings onto the grill, and allow to cook until hot and the slices show grill marks; serve the chops topped with the grilled pineapple rings.

I know it's hard to tell from that picture up there, but there IS rice on that plate! Some of the tastiest rice you've ever had! Thank you ladies over at Our Best Bites for the awesome recipe!


Sweet & Savory Coconut Rice 
2 c. white rice
1 can coconut milk
2 c. water
1 tsp. Kosher salt
Splash of white vinegar (optional, but it helps with the texture--you can't taste it in the final product)
2 1/2 tsp. white sugar
Handful of chopped green onions, plus chopped green onion tops for garnish (optional!--My husband hates onions of any variety)
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil Turn heat to low and cover for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Allow to stand 5 minutes. Add green onions, black pepper (if desired), and additional salt if necessary.