Lime Chili and Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Juicy, smoky, and bursting with bold flavors, Lime Chili and Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a must-try for any dinner table. This recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the zesty brightness of lime juice and zest, perfectly balanced by a smoky chili powder and paprika blend. A quick and flavorful marinade infuses the pork chops with citrusy, tangy notes and a hint of spice, while ensuring they stay tender and juicy. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these chops cook in just minutes, making them a fast yet impressive main dish. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, these pork chops are a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining. Pair with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Lime zest
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 4 pieces Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the pork chops into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Rub the marinade into the meat to ensure it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them in the heated pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for a slightly pink center. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the chops.
Transfer the cooked pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
408 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.3 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 582 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.8 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.3 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 510 mg | 11% | |
*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.
