Southwestern Grilled Pork, Chicken or Turkey with Green Grape Salsa

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Serves six.

To learn more, read:
Rub, Grill, Top: Add Fast Flavor to Chicken, Pork or Turkey with Spice Rubs and Salsas
by Pamela Anderson
from Fine Cooking
Issue 79
Last Edit Date: 6/6/2011 9:09:40 AM

Magic happens when the warm spices in the rub meet the flavors of the cool grapes and scallions.

more about:

For the spice rub:

1 Tbs. dark brown sugar
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1-1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cloves

For the salsa:

2 cups seedless green grapes, quartered
1/2 medium green bell pepper, cut into small dice (about 1/3 cup)
2 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 small fresh jalapeño, cored, seeded, and minced (about 1 rounded Tbs.)
3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice; more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 boneless pork loin chops, about 3/4 inch thick; OR 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenderloins removed, breasts pounded lightly to about 3/4 inch thick; OR 6 turkey breast cutlets
1-1/2 Tbs. canola or vegetable oil

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.

In a medium bowl, mix the grapes, bell pepper, scallions, jalapeño, mint, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt and pepper. Let stand while you grill the meat. Before serving, adjust the lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Build a hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill with all burners on high for at least 10 min. While the grill heats, lightly coat both sides of the pork chops, chicken breasts, or turkey cutlets with the oil and rub with the spice rub. Clean the hot grate with a wire brush; oil the grate.

Grill the meat (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas) over direct heat on the hottest part of the grill, taking care not to crowd the meat. Cook until the meat forms impressive grill marks on one side, 2 to 3 min. Turn and continue to grill (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas) until the meat is just firm to touch and just cooked through, 1 to 2 min. for turkey cutlets; 3 to 4 min. for pork chops and chicken breasts, depending on their thickness. (If grilling pork, watch out for flare-ups.) Transfer to a serving platter and let rest for 5 min. Serve with the salsa spooned alongside or over the meat.

Drink Suggestions

Try a medium-bodied white with vibrant fruit, herbal notes, and little or no oak, such as the Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany—or a fruity young Grenache blend, such as the Delas Côtes du Ventoux, France. Both pair well with poultry or pork.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : using pork; Calories (kcal): 235; Fat (g): 11; Fat Calories (kcal): 100; Saturated Fat (g): 3; Protein (g): 22; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 5; Carbohydrates (g): 13; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Sodium (mg): 555; Cholesterol (mg): 60; Fiber (g): 2;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by MommyDot, 9/2/2012Way good, lovely mix of favors... tastes meld to an incredible, different dish that all ages should love. Very, very good and a keeper in my simple household. Make this dish, you will love it.

by socaljudy, 7/18/2011The recipe looked interesting and different from our usual chicken standards. The rub had a great combination of flavors so I knew it would enhance the chicken breasts. I didn't have the exact ingredients for the salsa, so substituted green, ruby and dark red grapes and red onion and it was still excellent - light and bright. I am married to a picky eater so I waited for his reaction as I savored my first complex and delicious bites. He loved it! I loved it. And it made a beautiful plate. I will definitely make it again soon and often.

by FoodLover101, 7/2/2011I loved this recipe it was so fast and easy. My family loved it too, I even recomended it to a relative. I'm not usally a spicy person but I still liked it. Everyone will like this!

by Simone12, 10/17/2010This spice rub has become my go-to when grilling. The sweet paprika and brown sugar really complements the grill smokey flavor. An instant favorite.

by Jason123, 9/26/2009I've actually made this recipe several times since it came out. The salsa complements the spicy chicken very well and it's easy to whip up. I too substitute red grapes sometimes.

by lpicc, 9/17/2008Not only wonderful flavors but quick and easy as well! I've made it quite a few times and have even served it for company. It got rave reviews - several people even asked for the recipe. I've substituted red grapes when I didn't have green ones which seemed to work just as well.

by maryhh, 7/9/2008This was a great summer meal. I substituted a bit of med hungarian paprika for the jalapeno pepper and added a bit of parsley from the garden for the salsa. I also did not have a green pepper so I substituted a bit of yellow and red pepper and it was wonderful. I would recommend this for an easy summer dinner.