Mexicali Pork Chops

Tender, juicy, and boldly spiced, Mexicali Pork Chops bring a vibrant Southwest flair to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe features perfectly seasoned boneless pork chops rubbed with a smoky blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, then pan-seared to golden perfection before finishing in the oven. The show-stopping Mexicali salsa, made with fresh cherry tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, red onion, lime juice, and a touch of cilantro, adds a refreshing burst of flavor and color to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve these flavorful pork chops with Mexican-inspired sides for a truly unforgettable meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless pork chops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 0.5 cup fresh corn kernels (optional, cooked)
• 0.5 cup red onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 piece jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture over them.

Step 4

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 5

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the pork chops for 10-12 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C). Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.

Step 6

While the pork chops cook, prepare the Mexicali salsa by combining cherry tomatoes (halved), black beans, corn kernels, diced red onion, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) in a medium bowl. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 7

Serve the pork chops warm with a generous spoonful of the Mexicali salsa on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1326.4 grams (1326.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1610

Total Fat 84.00g	108%
Saturated Fat 22.90g	115%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 300mg	100%
Sodium 3144mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 86.60g	31%
Dietary Fiber 24.20g	86%
Total Sugars 15.50g
Protein 126.50g	253%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 224mg	17%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 3340mg	71%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.0%

Protein: 31.5%

Carbs: 21.5%