Cuban Spiced Pork Chops
Infuse your weeknight dinners with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean by trying this irresistible Cuban Spiced Pork Chops recipe. Marinated in a zesty blend of fresh orange and lime juice, minced garlic, and warm, aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika, these pork chops are bursting with authentic Cuban-inspired flavor. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also delivers a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and smoky depth. Cooked to perfection in a skillet or grill pan, these chops develop a gorgeous crust while staying juicy and tender. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges for an added burst of citrus, this dish makes a fantastic centerpiece when paired with sides like rice, black beans, and fried plantains. Perfect for a quick, 35-minute meal, these Cuban pork chops are bound to transport your taste buds straight to Havana.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cups Orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 0.25 cups Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoons Ground oregano
- 1 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 4 pieces Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, ground oregano, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the marinade until fully combined.
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork chops are completely coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Discard any excess marinade.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of olive oil.
Place the pork chops in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and a nice crust develops. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
Once cooked through, remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Optional: Pair the Cuban Spiced Pork Chops with rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
408 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 233 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 33.7 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 60 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 637 mg | 14% | |
*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.
