Smoky, Spicy, and Tender — the Taste of the Islands in Every Bite
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ 2–8 hours to marinate)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes active / up to 8 hours including marination
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 stalks scallion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded for less heat (optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 Tbsp browning sauce (or dark soy sauce for color)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- ¾ tsp allspice (pimento)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Finishing Glaze (optional but 🔥):
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp browning sauce or molasses
- 1 tsp butter
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Grill or cast-iron skillet (oven-safe preferred)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs and basting brush
Step-by-Step
- 1️⃣ Make the Marinade
Blend scallion, garlic, Scotch bonnet, thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, browning, vinegar, oil, and spices until smooth and aromatic.
- 2️⃣ Marinate the Pork Chops
Pat chops dry. Place in a bowl or zip bag and pour the marinade over them, coating well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor). Remove 20 minutes before cooking.
- 3️⃣ Cook (Grill or Pan-Sear + Bake)
Heat grill or skillet to medium-high (375–425 °F).
Sear each side 3–4 minutes until charred.
Transfer to oven (400 °F) and bake 6–8 minutes until internal temp reaches 145 °F.
- 4️⃣ Make the Glaze (optional)
In a small saucepan, melt butter with honey, lime juice, and browning until syrupy. Brush over the pork chops just before serving for that WAM Flavors shine and sweet-heat finish.
- 5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juiciness.
Tips & Swaps
- Grill Hack: Add a small piece of pimento wood or scallion to the grill for that real jerk smokiness.
- Milder Version: Use one pepper and remove the seeds.
- No Grill? Oven-bake on a wire rack and broil the last minute for a charred edge.
- Meat Swap: Chicken breasts or boneless thighs work beautifully with this same jerk marinade.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat lightly with a splash of lime water to keep moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Rice & peas or festival bread
- Grilled pineapple or mango slaw
- A cold Red Stripe or sorrel drink
Optional Presentation: Lay the pork chops on a wooden board with lime wedges and fresh thyme sprigs on top — a touch of honey glaze catching the light. That’s that WAM Flavors Caribbean perfection look — flavor, heat, and soul in one shot. 🔥
