Moroccan Spice Rubbed Pork Chops

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!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Lemon (for serving, optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3

Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring a thorough coating.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pork chops for added brightness and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 8

Serve warm with your choice of side dishes such as couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	792.6 grams (792.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1356

Total Fat 85.60g	110%
Saturated Fat 24.50g	123%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 300mg	100%
Sodium 3833mg	167%
Total Carbohydrate 14.90g	5%
Dietary Fiber 5.60g	20%
Total Sugars 2.00g
Protein 114.60g	229%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 169mg	13%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 1748mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.8%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 4.6%