Unlock incredible flavor and a touch of smoky goodness with these Ninja Woodfire Grill pork chops! Perfectly seasoned with a sweet and spicy rub, these succulent chops are grilled to perfection with a hint of woodfire smoke, then crowned with a vibrant, tangy grilled pineapple salsa. Get ready for a taste explosion in every bite that will make this dish a new family favorite.
If you’re searching for an outdoor grilling recipe that delivers extraordinary taste with minimal effort, look no further than these succulent pork chops prepared on the versatile Ninja Woodfire Grill. This recipe transforms ordinary boneless pork chops into a culinary masterpiece, boasting a tender interior, perfectly seared crust, and an irresistible kiss of smoke that truly sets it apart.
My culinary journey with the Ninja Woodfire Grill has been nothing short of delightful. It simplifies outdoor cooking, making it accessible even on busy weeknights, without the fuss of a large, traditional grill. What truly elevates this recipe is the grill’s unique ability to infuse a profound woodfire smoke flavor directly into the meat. Compared to other smokers I’ve used, like a Traeger, the Ninja Woodfire Grill imparts a far more intense and authentic smoky essence to these chops, making them taste like they’ve spent hours in a dedicated smoker, yet they retain the juicy tenderness of a perfectly grilled chop.
The magic happens when the high heat of the grill perfectly sears the pork chops, locking in their natural juices and moisture, while simultaneously allowing the wood pellets to release their aromatic smoke. This dual action results in pork chops that are incredibly meaty, wonderfully juicy, subtly spicy from the rub, and undeniably delicious. But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there! The accompanying grilled pineapple salsa adds a bright, zesty, and subtly spicy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Preparing the salsa is just as easy as grilling the chops. Fresh pineapple slices, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño are quickly grilled to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a beautiful char. Once diced and combined with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a hint of cumin, this salsa becomes the crown jewel of the dish, adding a burst of tropical freshness and a delightful kick that completes this easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying meal.
What You’ll Love About These Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
- Unforgettable Smoky Flavor: The Ninja Woodfire Grill infuses these chops with a rich, authentic smoke flavor that truly stands out from conventional grilling methods.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat of the grilled pineapple salsa to suit your preference, from mild and fruity to daringly spicy.
- Juicy & Tender Results: High-heat grilling combined with precise temperature control ensures perfectly moist and tender pork chops every time.
- Vibrant & Balanced Flavors: The sweet and savory pork is beautifully complemented by the bright, zesty, and slightly spicy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients for Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops & Pineapple Salsa
Crafting these exceptional pork chops and their vibrant pineapple salsa requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this delicious dish to life:
- Boneless Pork Loin Chops: Opt for chops approximately 1/2-inch thick. Their uniform thickness ensures even cooking and quick grilling.
- Sweet & Spicy Pork Rub: My personal favorite for perfectly balanced flavor, or feel free to use your preferred high-quality pork rub. This rub forms the flavorful crust on your chops.
- Fresh Pineapple: You’ll need about three 1-inch thick slices. Grilling with the core intact helps the slices hold their shape and develops a deeper caramelized flavor. Look for a ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Seeded and cut in half. Grilling the pepper mellows its flavor and adds a smoky sweetness to the salsa.
- Red Onion: Approximately 3-4 slices, or about half a large onion (or a whole small one), sliced into rings. Grilling the onion brings out its natural sugars and softens its bite.
- Jalapeno: Left whole for grilling. The grilling process will temper some of its heat while adding a smoky depth. You can adjust the amount or remove seeds later to control spice.
- Fresh Cilantro: Washed thoroughly, with larger stems removed. This herb adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the salsa.
- Fresh Lime Juice: The essential acidic component that brightens the salsa and balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Ground Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth and a subtle smoky note to the pineapple salsa.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning both the pork chops and the salsa.
- Woodfire Pellets: For the Ninja Woodfire Grill. I recommend a mild blend for this pork recipe, such as an all-purpose or fruitwood blend, to complement without overpowering the pork’s natural flavor.
How To Make Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly grilled, smoky pork chops paired with a vibrant pineapple salsa that will tantalize your taste buds:
- Preheat the Grill for Vegetables: Begin by powering on your Ninja Woodfire Grill and setting it to the Grill function on high heat. Allow it to fully preheat until it indicates it’s ready to add food. Once ready, carefully place the pineapple slices, halved red bell pepper, red onion rings, and whole jalapeño directly onto the hot grill grates.
- Grill the Salsa Ingredients: Close the lid of the grill and cook these vegetables and fruit for approximately 3-4 minutes. This initial sear will create beautiful grill marks and begin to soften them. Then, open the lid, flip everything over, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the onion to soften, the peppers to develop a slight char, and the pineapple to caramelize.
- Remove & Prepare for Pork: Once the pineapple and vegetables are perfectly grilled, carefully remove them from the grill and set them aside on a cutting board or plate. At this point, engage the Woodfire Flavor button on your Ninja Grill. The grill will begin the process of igniting the wood pellets, building that signature smoky flavor.
- Season the Pork Chops: While the grill is generating smoke, take your boneless pork loin chops and rub them generously with your chosen sweet and spicy pork rub. Ensure both sides are well coated to create a flavorful crust.
- Grill the Smoky Pork Chops: When the Ninja Woodfire Grill signals that it’s ready for the food with the woodfire flavor active, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the grill grates. Immediately reduce the grill temperature setting to medium heat to prevent overcooking while allowing the smoke to penetrate.
- Cook to Perfection: Close the lid and cook the pork chops for about 3 minutes. Then, using tongs, flip them to the other side and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chops reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a reliable digital meat thermometer. This internal temperature ensures they are juicy and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chops: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and place them on a clean plate or cutting board. Allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and moist chops. Shut down your grill once the chops are removed.
- Assemble the Pineapple Salsa: While the chops are resting, turn your attention to the grilled fruit and vegetables. Finely dice the grilled pineapple, discarding the tough core. Chop the grilled red bell pepper, seed and finely dice the grilled jalapeño (adjusting seeds to your spice preference), and finely dice the grilled red onion.
- Season the Salsa: Transfer all the diced grilled fruit and vegetables to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, and ground cumin. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing everything together until well combined.
- Serve & Enjoy: Plate your perfectly grilled Ninja Woodfire pork chops, and spoon a generous amount of the vibrant grilled pineapple salsa over the top of each chop. Prepare to dig into a meal bursting with incredible flavor!
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
Achieving perfectly cooked pork chops, especially on a Ninja Woodfire Grill, is all about technique and timing. Here are Chef Jenn’s top tips to ensure your chops are moist, flavorful, and absolutely fabulous every single time:
- Precision is Key: Don’t Overcook! The most common mistake with pork chops is overcooking. Boneless chops, especially those 1/2-inch thick, cook very quickly. For optimal juiciness and tenderness, pull your pork chops off the grill as soon as their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a reliable digital meat thermometer. The temperature will continue to rise slightly (carry-over cooking) as they rest, ensuring they stay incredibly moist.
- The Power of Resting: After removing the chops from the heat, always let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Tent them loosely with foil to retain warmth. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, preventing them from running out when you cut into the meat. This step is critical for a truly succulent chop.
- Stay Attentive: Quick Cooking Time: Because boneless pork chops are relatively thin, they cook rapidly on medium-high heat. Do not walk away from the grill once the chops are on! Keep a close eye on them, as even a minute or two can make the difference between juicy and dry.
- Wood Pellets Are Essential: Before you press that “Woodfire Flavor” button, double-check that you’ve added the appropriate wood pellets to the hopper. No pellets, no smoke! A mild, all-purpose blend is usually a great choice for pork, offering a balanced smoky flavor that enhances without overpowering.
- Grill Mark Perfection: For those coveted, beautiful grill marks and an even sear, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before you start cooking. This also helps prevent sticking.
- Salsa Heat Control: The jalapeño is where the salsa’s heat comes from. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing. For a spicier kick, leave some or all of the seeds in, or even add a second jalapeño.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Especially for the salsa, using fresh, ripe pineapple and vibrant cilantro and lime juice will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Avoid canned pineapple for this recipe.
Recommended Pairings & More Delicious Recipes
These Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa are a meal in themselves, but here are some suggestions to round out your plate, plus other fantastic smoky recipes to try:
Make it a Meal: Perfect Side Dishes
To complement the sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors of your Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa, consider these delightful side dishes:
- Cheesy Spanish Rice: A flavorful and comforting side that perfectly aligns with the vibrant, Southwestern-inspired notes of this dish.
- Bacon Fried Corn: Sweet corn sautéed with savory bacon adds a wonderful texture and another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with pork.
- Simple Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A light, refreshing salad helps to balance the richness of the pork and the tang of the salsa.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Quick and easy to prepare, these vegetables offer a crisp, healthy counterpoint.
- Black Beans and Rice: A classic pairing that adds substance and earthy flavors.
Storage & Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of these incredible Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops and Grilled Pineapple Salsa, storing them correctly ensures they remain delicious for future meals. For best results, always store the grilled pork chops and the pineapple salsa separately in individual airtight containers. When refrigerated properly, both components will stay fresh and flavorful for 2-3 days. Reheat the pork chops gently to maintain their tenderness, perhaps in a skillet with a splash of broth or in a low oven. The salsa is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect quick topping for subsequent servings.
Step-by-Step Visual Process
Sometimes, seeing is believing, and for a recipe with multiple components like this, a visual guide can be incredibly helpful. Here’s a gallery illustrating the key steps to crafting your Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops and Grilled Pineapple Salsa, ensuring you confidently achieve delicious results.
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Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Keyword
grilled pineapple salsa, grilled pork chops, grilled pork chops with grilled pineapple salsa, ninja, ninja woodfire grill, smoky pork chops
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Calories
254kcal
Author
Chef Jenn
Equipment
- 1 Ninja Woodfire Grill
- 1/2 cup Mild Ninja Woodfire Pellets
- Digital Meat Thermometer
- Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 4 each boneless pork chops about 1/2 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons sweet & spicy pork rub
For the Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup grilled pineapple finely diced
- 1 each grilled red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 small grilled red onion diced
- 1 each grilled jalapeno seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill & Grill Vegetables: Turn the Ninja Woodfire Grill to the grill setting on high. Once heated and ready, add the pineapple slices, red bell pepper halves, red onion rings, and whole jalapeño to the grill.
- Cook Vegetables: Close the lid and cook on high for 3-4 minutes. Open the lid, flip all ingredients, and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the onion is softened, and peppers and pineapple show slight charring.
- Remove Vegetables & Start Smoke: Remove the grilled pineapple and veggies from the grill and set aside. Press the Woodfire Flavor button on your Ninja Grill to begin igniting the wood pellets for smoke infusion.
- Season Pork Chops: While the grill is igniting pellets, generously rub both sides of the pork chops with your chosen pork rub.
- Grill Pork Chops with Smoke: Once the grill indicates it’s ready with woodfire flavor, add the seasoned chops to the grill. Immediately turn the heat down to medium.
- Cook Chops: Close the lid and cook for about 3 minutes. Flip the chops and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) with a digital meat thermometer.
- Rest Chops: Remove the cooked chops from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Shut down the grill.
- Dice Salsa Ingredients: Finely dice the grilled pineapple (discarding the core), chopped red bell pepper, seeded and diced jalapeño, and diced red onion.
- Mix Salsa: In a bowl, toss the diced grilled fruit and veggies with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the rested pork chops generously topped with the fresh and flavorful grilled pineapple salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
For more detailed tips on achieving perfect results, refer to the “Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Pork Chops” section above.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 254kcal |
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 30g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 90mg |
Sodium: 68mg |
Potassium: 618mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 375IU |
Vitamin C: 24mg |
Calcium: 92mg |
Iron: 4mg
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Why Choose the Ninja Woodfire Grill?
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill isn’t just another grill; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavor of smoked foods but doesn’t want the hassle. This innovative electric grill offers a trifecta of cooking methods: grilling, smoking, and air frying, all in one compact unit. For this pork chop recipe, its smoking capability truly shines. Unlike large, traditional smokers that require constant attention to maintain temperature and smoke output, the Woodfire Grill offers a consistent, set-it-and-forget-it smoking experience at the touch of a button.
The secret lies in its proprietary wood pellets, which are designed to produce a rich, authentic smoky flavor quickly and efficiently. You get that deep, smoky aroma and taste without burning through bags of charcoal or constantly feeding wood chunks. This means you can achieve incredible smoked flavor in a fraction of the time, making weeknight smoking a reality. Moreover, the Ninja Woodfire Grill maintains precise temperatures, eliminating hot spots and ensuring your food cooks evenly. Its ability to seamlessly transition from smoking to high-heat grilling also allows for perfect searing, giving your pork chops that desirable crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, versatility, and undeniable smoky flavor, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor cooking setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Chops
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can be used, but they may require slightly longer cooking times, typically an extra 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before resting.
What if I don’t have the “Sweet & Spicy Pork Rub”?
No problem! You can use any favorite pork rub you have on hand. A simple homemade rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper would also work wonderfully. The key is to have a good balance of sweet, savory, and a little heat.
Can I make the grilled pineapple salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the grilled pineapple salsa can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious! Just give it a good stir before serving.
How can I tell if my pork chops are cooked perfectly?
The best way to ensure perfectly cooked and juicy pork chops is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone if using bone-in. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remember to let them rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat for optimal juiciness.
Can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?
Definitely! The heat in the salsa primarily comes from the jalapeño. For a milder salsa, remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño before dicing. For more heat, leave some seeds in, or even use a serrano pepper for an extra kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the finished salsa if you desire.
What kind of wood pellets are best for pork on the Ninja Woodfire Grill?
For pork, mild fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry are excellent choices as they impart a subtle sweetness that complements the pork beautifully. An “All-Purpose” blend also works very well, providing a balanced smoky flavor without being too intense. Avoid overly strong woods like mesquite unless you prefer a very robust smoke flavor.
Want More Delicious and Easy Recipes?
If you loved these smoky pork chops, be sure to explore more fantastic recipes that leverage the power of grilling and smoking to create unforgettable meals:
- Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle
- How to Make Peameal Bacon
- Smoked Lamb Chops
- Smoked Eye of Round
- Smoked Shotgun Shells