Transform dinner into a culinary adventure with these Moroccan Spice Rubbed Pork Chops, a perfect blend of warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavors. This easy-to-make recipe coats tender pork chops with a vibrant spice mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and a hint of optional cayenne for heat, creating layers of aromatic complexity. Quickly seared to perfection in olive oil, these chops are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of cilantro for a bright, zesty finish, and pair with sides like couscous, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties, this dish delivers a taste of Morocco in just 30 minutes!
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the Moroccan spice rub.
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring a thorough coating.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Once the olive oil is hot but not smoking, place the pork chops in the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the pork chops.
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate loosely covered with aluminum foil for 3-5 minutes to retain their juices.
Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pork chops for added brightness and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve warm with your choice of side dishes such as couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1356 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.6 g | 110% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3833 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 114.6 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 169 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 1748 mg | 37% | |
*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.