Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops Recipe with Sticky Glaze

Fire up the grill — these Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops with Pineapple are a summer favorite. A bright, easy homemade teriyaki marinade infuses thin pork chops, and fresh pineapple rounds caramelize on the grill alongside the meat for a sticky, sweet-savory finish. Serve over rice, tuck into sliders, or enjoy the chops on their own with a side of steamed vegetables.

Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops with Pineapple

Teriyaki is one of the simplest, most versatile flavors to add to meat and vegetables. This recipe uses a straightforward homemade marinade that delivers bold umami and a touch of sweetness from pineapple juice and honey. Because the pork chops are sliced thin, this is a fast-marinate, fast-cook dish — perfect for weeknights or a backyard weekend grill session. The same marinade works great on chicken, shrimp, steak, or salmon if you prefer another protein.

Want to make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes and a squirt of sriracha to the marinade to bring heat and depth. Adjust the amount to your taste: start with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon sriracha, then increase if you want it hotter.

Want to turn the marinade into a sauce?

Reserve the marinade before you add raw meat, or after removing the chops, simmer the used marinade in a small saucepan for 10–15 minutes to make it safe to use as a finishing sauce. Reduce it slightly until it thickens and glosses the pork for extra flavor.

Find more Traeger and grilling recipes on the same site for inspiration and variations on this theme.

Recipe Shopping List

Here’s a quick shopping list so you know if you need a run to the store. Exact amounts are listed below in the ingredients section.

• Pork chops (thin-cut pork loin chops are ideal)
• Fresh pineapple
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Soy sauce
• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive oil)
• Pineapple juice
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garlic paste or minced garlic
• Ginger paste or minced ginger

How To Make This Recipe — Overview

This overview gives you the steps at a glance. Follow the full instructions below for best results.

1. Marinate: Combine marinade ingredients, add the pork chops, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice and prepare pineapple into rings while the meat marinates.
2. Preheat: Get the grill very hot — aim for 400°F or higher for a quick sear and caramelization.
3. Grill: Remove chops from the marinade and grill the pork and pineapple rings for about 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through.
4. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with steamed rice, extra teriyaki-style sauce, and vegetables.

Recipe FAQ

Detailed Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Marinating Time: at least 4 hours

Total Time: about 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds thin-cut pork loin chops
• 1 whole pineapple, cut into rounds
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Marinade

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup neutral oil
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste or 1 tablespoon minced ginger

Instructions

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag or bowl. Add the thin-cut pork chops, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
2. Preheat your grill to about 400°F or higher so the surface is very hot.
3. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill along with the pineapple rounds. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until chops are cooked through and pineapple is charred and caramelized.
4. Remove from the grill. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables. If you like extra sauce, either reserve some marinade made without raw meat or simmer the used marinade for 10–15 minutes until reduced and safe to serve.

Tips and Variations

• For thicker pork chops, increase grilling time and consider indirect heat to finish cooking without burning the exterior.
• Swap the pork for chicken, shrimp, steak, or salmon using the same marinade; adjust cook times accordingly.
• Add sliced scallions or sesame seeds as a finishing garnish for added texture and flavor.

These grilled teriyaki pork chops pair beautifully with simple sides: steamed jasmine rice, garlic green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted sweet potatoes. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches, rice bowls, or lunch-ready protein for the week.