Spicy Cuban Pork Chops Maya Style
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this bold and flavorful recipe for Spicy Cuban Pork Chops Maya Style! These juicy, bone-in pork chops are marinated in a vibrant blend of citrusy orange and lime juices, aromatic garlic, and earthy spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Grilled to perfection, the smoky char enhances the rich marinade, creating a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes of cooking and prep time (plus marination), this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight meals or backyard barbecues. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a pop of freshness, and watch your family and friends savor every bite. Perfect for grilling season or any time you're craving a taste of Cuban-inspired cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 0.25 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 4 pieces lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish suitable for marinating.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and kosher salt to create the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag (if using) or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Remove the marinated pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and discard the marinade.
Place the pork chops on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Transfer the grilled pork chops to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain their juices.
Garnish the pork chops with finely chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 249 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 43.4 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 66 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 736 mg | 16% | |
*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.
