Zesty Pork Chops

Elevate your dinner table with these flavorful and tender Zesty Pork Chops, a perfect blend of citrusy brightness and smoky spices. Marinated in a zesty trio of orange, lemon, and lime juice along with garlic, honey, and a medley of aromatic spices like paprika and cumin, these pork chops are bursting with bold flavors. The marinade works its magic in as little as 30 minutes, but for maximum impact, let the flavors meld for a couple of hours. Sear the chops to golden perfection in a skillet or grill pan for a slightly charred, caramelized finish. Garnished with fresh cilantro, these juicy pork chops pair beautifully with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elevated weekend meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2

Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Step 4

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of olive oil.

Step 5

Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place them in the hot skillet. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 6

Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The pork chops should be golden brown and slightly charred on the edges.

Step 7

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to retain their juices.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your zesty pork chops with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1030.9 grams (1030.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2247

Total Fat 141.00g	181%
Saturated Fat 44.40g	222%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 544mg	181%
Sodium 3023mg	131%
Total Carbohydrate 36.50g	13%
Dietary Fiber 2.20g	8%
Total Sugars 24.30g
Protein 193.90g	388%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 143mg	11%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 2909mg	62%

*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: 57.9%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 6.7%