Coffee Jerk Pork Chops

Coffee as a marinade is a win. Coffee Jerk Pork Pork Chops! Aah, the thrill of the grill!!! Yes, the grilling season has FINALLY arrived after a long frigid winter. I will have to send my husband to the garage to remove the winter cobwebs from our beloved grill.

Living in the frozen north we crave the summer season when we can cook and eat outside. We love to grill! One of my family’s favorite things to eat grilled is pork chops. Juicy, tender chops grilled to absolute perfection. Aahh, I am currently drooling.

Every summer I look for different pork recipes.  This time I am recreating the marinade with 2 key ingredients: instant coffee and chicken bouillon.  The coffee adds a depth of flavor that is hard to describe. It’s sort of woody, smoky, nutty all wrapped into one incredibly delicious flavor. The bouillon seasoning gives it the salty punch that every pork chop needs. It’s coffee jerk pork!

Grilling must haves

Needless to say instant coffee (I like to use Nescafé Clásico.) and chicken bouillon are the newest must-have ingredients for your summer grilling needs. They not only add great flavor, but are very inexpensive. One of big pluses here is that there is no waiting time for the coffee to brew. Also, no coffee grounds that will stick to your food, or teeth. Isn’t that awesome? It’s like magic. A magical ingredient for a magical flavor. Did you ever imagine a coffee recipe with meat? Coffee Jerk Pork Chops will leave you speechless.

I created a marinade based on flavor contrasts. I mixed apple juice with vinegar. Cayenne and bouillon were contrasted with brown sugar; garlic with allspice. Then for that “secret” flavor: coffee! It was that easy. Now, you need to let these jerk pork chops marinate at least 6 hours so they can absorb that wonderful secret flavor. I like to leave them overnight.  You’ll be glad you did.

My husband is the grill master. Needless to say I surrender total control of the grill to him. He has HIS method and INSISTED I share it with you, so here we go: To get those perfect grill marks on those pork chops, preheat the grill to about 500F. We use 3/4″ chops for best results. Place the chops on the grill using indirect heat (not over the flames). Close lid and leave for two minutes. After two minutes, give them a 1/4 turn. Leave for another two minutes. Flip and repeat the process.

Check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. Internal temperature should read 145’F. Move them to a serving platter and cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for  about 5 minutes. Easy as that!! Coffee Jerk Pork Chops is just what everyone needs for their next picnic.

Step by step photos

1. Gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go.
2. Place all the marinade ingredients into a large bowl or pitcher and blend with a hand blender. A standard blender will also work.
3. Blend until well combined.
4. Place the pork chops into a 1 gallon zip top freezer bag and pour in the marinade.
5. Purge out as much air as possible from the bag and seal. Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight is even better.
6. Place them on a 500°F grill using indirect heat, not over the flame. Grill 2 minutes, give them a 1/4 turn and grill another 2 minutes. Flip them and repeat. They are done when the internal temperature hits 145°F.  Plate them and allow them to rest covered for 5 minutes before serving. This method works well for chops that are about 3/4 of an inch thick. Cooking times will be shorter for thinner chops.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can I store the cooked pork chops in the refrigerator? Once the chops have cooled you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat the pork chops? Reheat the chops in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to flip every 30-45 seconds until hot. Once reheated do not cool and store again in the refrigerator, consume it right away. So only reheat the amount you will consume.
• Can I freeze the cooked pork chops? Yes, allow the chops to cool and you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.

If you want to try some other great grilling recipes with an ethnic flair here are some great ones to try. The traditional Spanish tapas prueba de cerdo has bold flavors made with pork loin medallions that will melt in your mouth! These Korean style BBQ pork chops get their great flavors from gochujang, ginger, garlic and soy sauce. So good!

Leave me a comment and let me know how you like these!

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5 from 11 votes

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Coffee Jerk Pork Chops Recipe

Coffee, brown sugar and Caribbean jerk seasoned marinated in a brine brings a ton of flavor to the pork chops! This is a great summer grilling recipe your family and friends will love. Tender, juicy and delicious! 

Course Meat

Cuisine American

Keyword Caribbean jerk seasoning, coffee marinated, grilling

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Marinate time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Servings: Change to adjust-> 5

Calories 310 kcal

Author Analida Braeger

Ingredients

• 6 pork chops (bone in, 3/4" thinck)

Coffee marinade

• 2 cups apple juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup instant coffee
• 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 3 garlic cloves miced
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl and use a hand blender to mix well. You can also use a blender. Place the pork chops in a 1 gallon zip top freezer bag and pour marinade over them. Try to purge out the excess air and seal. Refrigerate for about 6 hours; if you can marinate overnight, even better.

2. For grilling, preheat the grill to 500°F. Place pork chops on the grill, but not directly on top of the flames. (Indirect heat) Cook for two minutes. Give them a quarter turn. Cook an additional two minutes. Flip and repeat the process.

3. When internal temperature reaches 145°F, transfer to a platter, cover and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.

4. Serve with your favorite sides.

Recipe Notes

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How long can I store the cooked pork chops in the refrigerator? Once the chops have cooled you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat the pork chops? Reheat the chops in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to flip every 30-45 seconds until hot. Once reheated do not cool and store again in the refrigerator, consume it right away. So only reheat the amount you will consume.
• Can I freeze the cooked pork chops? Yes, allow the chops to cool and you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Coffee Jerk Pork Chops Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 310 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 107mg36%

Sodium 1478mg64%

Potassium 715mg20%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 75IU2%

Vitamin C 1.5mg2%

Calcium 22mg2%

Iron 0.9mg5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.