Grilled Orange Pork Chops with Rhubarb Compote

These grilled orange pork chops feature pork chops marinated in a fresh orange marinade, grilled until perfectly juicy, and served with a sweet and tangy rhubarb compote.

Meet the pork that I physically cannot keep off my grill. Which is saying something considering it’s not even technically summer yet!

I’m still heavy into citrus over here and so naturally, an orange-marinated pork chop just made sense!

I also happen to adore rhubarb in savory applications so when I first got the hankering for grilled pork chops I knew that I had to use up some of that beautiful in-season rhubarb I had on hand.

Wham bam, the dream dinner was born and wow, is she singing with flavor. I’m talking super-juicy orange-laced pork chops that grill up like a dream and pair even better with all that sweet and tangy rhubarb compote for dipping.

You’ll soon see why I can’t stop making this one.

These Pork Chops Feature…

• Juicy pork chops marinated in a fresh orange sauce
• Grilled to smoky perfection
• A sweet and tangy rhubarb compote for serving

Making the Pork Chops

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

• Rhubarb
• Garlic
• Shallot
• Granulated sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cinnamon
• Orange
• Vegetable oil
• Honey
• Pork chops
• Parsley

Choosing Your Pork Chops

For this recipe you will need 2 lbs thick-cut bone-in pork chops. Depending on the size you buy, this should be about 4 medium chops. Trim any excess fat off the outside of pork chops before marinating.

Boneless pork chops will also work for this recipe, however, be aware that they will cook much faster than bone-in. Always use a kitchen thermometer to test the internal temperature of meat and aim for 140F for pork chops.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

1. Cook compote 30-40 minutes – this long simmer time is what builds flavor in the compote. Don’t rush the simmering process.
2. Use fresh orange – fresh orange juice and zest adds an unmatchable flavor to the pork chop marinade.
3. Marinate pork at least 2 hours – a good rule of thumb with marinating is 2 hours if you’re in a hurry and up to 12 if you’ve got some extra time.
4. Marinate pork on bottom shelf of fridge – it’s always a good idea to keep raw meats away from fresh produce and on the bottom shelf of your fridge to reduce risk of cross contamination.
5. Bring pork chops to room temperature – 45 minutes at room temperature before grilling will help the pork cook more evenly throughout.
6. Pat pork dry before grilling and season – remove excess moisture from the pork by patting dry with paper towels and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Variations

Try these ideas for a different twist on this pork chops.

• Use another fruit in compote – try diced pineapple or apples.
• Try a different citrus – try fresh lemon or lime in place of the orange.
• Add heat to marinade – add a few shakes of red pepper flakes, a minced jalapeno, or your favorite hot sauce.

Stovetop Instructions

Don’t have a grill? No problem! This recipe can easily converted to a stovetop version.

Working in batches, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet (or brush over a large cast iron grill pan) Once pan is hot, add 2 pork chops and sear on both sides until golden brown and pork chops register 140F, adding more oil to pan as needed between batches.

Note: if your pork chops are on the thicker side you will need to finish cooking in a 400F oven an additional 5-10 minutes.

If you do one thing with all that spring rhubarb, let it be these pork chops! The tartness pairs so well with the sweet orange juice and the marinade makes the texture IMPOSSIBLY juicy.

Yep, just a spring dinner that hits every mark.

Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

More pork favorites to make next!

• Peach Hot Honey Pulled Pork
• Grilled Bruschetta Pork Loin
• Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops