Cajun Marinated Pork Chops
Infused with bold Southern flair, these Cajun Marinated Pork Chops are a flavor-packed weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next cookout. Juicy, bone-in pork chops are bathed in a zesty marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning, with a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. After soaking up the robust flavors for up to 8 hours, the chops are grilled or seared to perfection, creating a beautifully caramelized crust with tender, juicy meat inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for spice lovers and grill masters alike, this Cajun pork recipe is a delicious way to elevate your dinner game!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed to create the marinade.
Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Massage the marinade into the meat for even flavor distribution.
Cover the dish (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill or sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer.
Remove the pork chops from the heat, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.0 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 706 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.8 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 383 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
